tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9887049827360695522018-03-07T15:30:35.459-08:00Saturday Night PendragonThe playtesting adventures of Greg Stafford's latest Great Pendragon Campaign, set in the duchy of Lindsey.Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-48667642057253243662010-07-20T16:49:00.001-07:002010-07-20T17:03:32.710-07:00And All Hell Broke Loose<span style="color:#ff0000;">Sir Extavias here...</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"> What an extrordinary AND tragic year. The Candlebees of Leicester with our Lord Sir Aguar , were inviited at Camelot court to dine with the Queen. It was such a lovely occasion. Until...... In My Lord Aguars honor a special dish native to Leicester was served , and presented to Sir Lancelot , who in his modesty tried to give it to my Lord! My Lord gave the pie back to Our good Lancelot , and he again suggested that Sir Gawaine should have it , but the generous gawaine gave it back to Lord Lancelot. After eating the dish Lancelot became ill and within minutes drop dead! Lancelot is DEAD!!!!!!! Christendom has lost its most fervent champion , and all are lost. The best knight in the world slain by poison! And now we men of Leicester , we are told , are under suspicion since it was a native dish!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"> We were allowed to go back to Leicester on our honor , while the matter is under invvestigation.Now we must return in one year to face charges! Proposterous! What a year. It seems the world has come to an end.....</span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-72775559428262933862010-06-27T12:06:00.000-07:002010-06-28T05:33:38.313-07:00557 AD : Pigmanship & Carnitas!Sir Extavias here.....<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">What a year. Count Agwar was , like the rest of us Candlebees, very worried about the state of Leicester. A large percentage of our people had died, and many were sick unto death from lack of nourishment. I myself had only been having meat with my meals 2 days a week, to conserve , and it was all mutton or dried fish. no chicken , pork , and especially NO BEEF! A travesty.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Even our Great chief steward Sir Cynfyn was at a loss. It was decided among us Candlebees that we must find a way to feed our peasants. Count Edar had been a paragon in taking care of his people, so it was a lesson we learned well.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">As a Round Table knight I was going to go to the King and ask for a writ to release Grain to our people. Surely our king would see our need and grant it? Just in case we scraped together what coin we had, Thuedic , Rambeux , and Myself. We had just iver 100 Libra in coin! Surely enough to feed our peasants for a year , maybe two. We were hopeful as we left towards Camelot.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Once we talked with the King ( who was to ill to speak much ) , Sir Constantin confirmed our worst fears. The graineries were empty and there was nothing to spare! We were on our own. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">While we were ther however ther Great Pentecost feast was had. Though the fair was more meager than I ever remembered , it was adequate. And the best part was the tourney afterwards! We Candlbees did well , but not enough to attract the Kings notice... Until the Joust! That is when Sir Rambeaux showed that a Saxon Knight was the Best in the Realm! He was the first Candlebee to ever win the Joust at a Pentecost Tourney except Count Ear Himself! Granted, Lancelot, Gareth, Percival, Trystan, Palomydes, Gawaine, And Many others round Table greats were not present... But still , those that were present were nothing to scoff at. In the Final match Si</span><span style="color:#cc33cc;">r Rambeaux defeated Sir Griflet! Sure Marshel Griflet is getting older and rarely participates anymore.. But what a feat to remember anyway! He won several Beautiful French Tapestries, and we all tasted sir Tors 50 different french wines! my companions were soon drunk , but not me! I remember too well that my father was said to have a weakness for fine wines.I would not make the same mistake! I ate but little. I could not over indulge when the people of Leicester were starving , though I must confess that the spiced Capon with the cherry sauce was most delicious!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">After the Tourney Sir Rambeaux spoke to The King who asked Rambeaux to deliver one of three messages. One to Cornwall, Cheshire , or to The North beyond the wall. Of Course Rambeaux chose North because the message was for Sir Mordred , our very great friend! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">At once Rambeaux left with all haste. Since Thuedic and Myself had to lead our wives and household to London To purchase food, we told Sir Rambeaux that we would meet him at Edinburgh , after dropping the food and families off at Leicester.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">After getting food in London, And not much of it , as prices were 10 times what they had ben a year ago, we were riding to Leicester and were assaulted by Bandits! Someone called them starving and desperate peasants! Rubbish! If you try to take things from a noble by force, then you are a bandit. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">However, shortly after we repelled the bastards , two black knights with red cockades set upon us without warming and attempted to joust us down! It was a strange episode. Not sure why they did so , but one of the priests traveling with us said the knights were Angels sent from God that were trying to punish us for our treatment of the peasants that attacked us. Ludicris bastard! Shoulda hung him.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">It seems that Sir Rambeaux also met an " Angel " as well , only his was all in white. Britian is going to hell.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">We made it North and met at Edinburgh. We attempted to locate Sir Mordred but had no luck for a bit. Finally at the castle Pilgrim , the Lady there who was quite nice to us , me in particular( I think she liked my looks, Theudic said!) , and told us we might try his favorite hunting lodge which was nearby. So we did and as luck would have it , he was there with many companions. We delivered the message but he didnt even open it for three days. In the meantime we hunted and hawked ( I won both! Mordred was suitably impressed) and then Sir Thuedic showed them his skills at Bullfighting!!!!Though he stole my thunder , i can not care. He is a dear boy and was a good squire. His father was like a father to me, and He taught me to bullfight as well. Thuedics skills as a bullfighter are better than my own , however , and watching him I couldnt help but be reminded of good old Amadis.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">We asked Mordred what adventurous knights might do up here? We wre in the mood to adventure. Were there any monsters to vanquish? He said in these parts that there was a Giant Boar , the size of a destrier , and that animal harassed the people of this land. He said all knights in their right minds feared to attack the Beast. Luckily for them we are Candlebees! We are NEVER in our right mind. We hunted til we found the beast and when we did Sir Theudic destroyed it. It was huge and slathering and spitting its saliva of acid that pitted sir Rambeaux's armor! In the end Rambeaux took the day, my horse was killed and we had Carnitas that night. Carnitas are something Amadis learned to cook in Spain , that he passed to Thuedic. One strange thing was That there was a strange looking man that sat astride the Large Boar and shot at us with his bow!He rode well, exhibiting exceptional Pigmanship. He was a nice shot too. He killed my favorite old charger. I was saddened , but it was his time. We butchered it and ate well. We were excited to tell Sir Mordred but his men said that he had left hurridley after he finally opened his message from the King. We made our way to Camelot and spoke with the King.On the way to Court we met up with none other than the great Sir Lancelot du Lac. He was walking! We lent him a horse , and accompanied him to court. Then the strangest things began to happen. All over the Land as we rode toward Camelot , the landscape changed and began to become greener , and within A matter of hours the Land was suddenly vibrant and looked often as it did right before a nice ripe harvest! A MIRACLE! At Court Lancelot and 10 other knights swore before God that they had seen the Grail! Though it was Sir Galehad and sir Bors that were reputed to have brought the cup to the KING. The King was wonderful. It was like his sickness had vanished. He was hardy and hale , and when we saw him it seemed he could not stop eating. As Long as I live I will never understand the mysteries of the world! We stayed at court for a while and boasted of Rambeaux's deeds! I think the court is really starting to notice him. He will be a roundtable knight soon, mark my words! Then we went home to Leicester , fed our people best we could and tried TO MAKE CHILDREN. I was unsuccessful again at that this year. I have had two different wives and 8 years to make an heir , and yet still I do not have one. It may be time to admit that the trouble lies with me , and not the wives. But with the land replenishde Perhaps so to my loins will be replenished?! I will try harder until next winter.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"> </span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-80132907363533896402010-06-27T11:08:00.000-07:002010-06-27T11:57:27.934-07:00556 AD : No Time for Rest!!!<span style="color:#3366ff;">After surviving our run in with the devil's fire belching demon that tore down the walls of Camelot, and destroying it , the King feasted us with the best fare he could muster ( though seneshal Constantin looked troubled by the amount we ate ) , and all was merry! Many knights returned from the grail quest , Gawaine among them, and told their tales of bravery.Also more shields arrived to hang on the Great Oak tree. The shields of those Round table knights that are known to have died on the Grail quest. The number of shields on that tree stood at 51 the day of the feast. The King decided to look upon his Great round Table. He was in a Moprose mood, butto his delight, and the delight of the entire court, when he entered the chamber he saw a most miraculous thing! Count Edar, our most beloved ruler of Leicester , whose name had faded from the table only a year before was Alive! If the table could be believed, that is. And the table has never been wrong before! Also My mentor and friend Sir Amadis the Brave was back from the dead too it seemed! I immediately went to the Great Oak and cut down their shields so that I could bear them back to Leicester and tell his people. That would give them something to celebrate in these dark times.</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Shortly after that fine discovery, Our Lord King needed rest. His sickness was still upon him and Though he was happy, he was tired. I was overjoyed when lord Gawaine announced ( after speaking quietly with our Lord King), That all who aquitted themselves well at the battle against Cornwall and the evil king Mark, and that had a high reputation were to be made knights of the Table Round to fill out the missing 49 seats. I have no real words to describe my joy. I would be made a Peer of the Round Table as would my lord Agwar Count Of Leicester! My Father, the Great Brandegoris of the Hambone , Lord of Tilton , and Hero Of Badon, would be proud. Finally I feel redeamed. I am old, but now i am fulfilled. The only sadness that was in me was that the King was too ill to Knight me with his own Hand. Sir Gawaine Did the honors in the Kings name however and He is as good and hardy a Knight as any living! And of the Orkney clan which are our great friiends , so I was pleased nonetheless.</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"> As a further reward I was given a new Bride. A fine and Plump lady from Jagent. Pictish heritage ( complete with exotic blue tatoos ), and a widower with a fine manor called CombeSydenham. Also the king gave me a further grant of 10 Libra per year in coin from my marriage as reward. </span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Our joy did not last long , however. As we were preparing to go to war against Cornwall and destroy King Mark once and for all , we had word that there was a large invasion near Cirencester! The King asked his knights to leave Cornwall for the moment and repel the invaders to the North. We were mightily dissapointed. Some of us had sworn Oaths to Kill Mark and see his Kingdom topple. But it seemed like any other Rat, he would survive to wreak havoc another day.</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"> We got to Cirencester and Lo! It was none other than the Pirate Lord of the outer Isles... King Brian. Since Lord Galeholt had died this Brian had grown strong. Too strong! But that day after several hours of hard fought battle we put them to flight. We were ever so close to their total destruction , but alas, like the curs that they are , they escaped with their tails between their legs.</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"> I went home to Leicester and was made a Candlebee , along with Sir Amadis' son, and my old squire , sir Theudic. We tried to relax as best we could , but its hard to relax when the only sounds you hear are the wailing of women and childern that our starving and living in poverty. We had ben gone for but one season , yet in that time it seemed that it had been 10 years of spreading wasteland that had descended upon our lands. Many had died. The year had started so well, and I had had my finest and most glorious year , and yet it was overshadowed by the famine and disease of Leicester. I can not help but feel that we may have displeased God mightily. I may ask the Bishop in Malahaut to write our most beloved pope and ask his advice. nothing else seems to be working. The evil doers get more powerful in these lean times and the good suffer. I will pray and see what answers God grants me.</span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-54613040155789566352010-05-22T08:16:00.000-07:002010-05-22T08:16:34.593-07:00555: Byzantium or Bust!!![Okay, first of all, I am embarassed. For a weekly game blog not to be updated for nine months...yeesh. So, a very quick and I'm sure incomplete recap of events. I invite the other players to chime in on their character's events as well...]<br /><br />543 - Beehive back from the Continent: Amadis reunited with his family and ten bonus <i>caballeros villenos</i>.<br /><br />544 - Candlebees save the day when Sir Tristan's stepmother poisons him just before his father's trial-by-combat. Amadis poisoned by another Cornishman; Adam's guy (Bledri?) steps in as the champion for the Tristan's father the king and kicks some serious ass. Leicester gets more statuary when Desdemona, wife of Amadis, dies in childbirth.<br /><br />545 - Tournament circuit. King Mark swears fealty.<br /><br />546 - More tournaments. At the tourney in Bedegraine the Candlebees win a contest of judicial might to regain the title to Lambor for Count Edar. Boots—that is, young Edar, grandson to the count—gets his lance and shield (was he knighted?). Lucia, the daughter of Amadis, marries Agwar, bastard son of Edar (with his put-aside wife, Lady Valerie of Trond).<br /><br />547 - Count Edar announces his retirement. The Candlebees decide to take young Boots with them while the accompany Sir Gwalchmai the Burner and most-fearsome Dragonslayer on a quest of his. The party is attacked by abnormally large animals in Rheged: the party is ravaged and Boots is dragged off and eaten by giant foxes...but not before shaming himself by trying to hide under his shield, and not before Gwalchmai and Amadis chide him for his cowardice. D'oh! There goes the heir. Back at Leicester, Prince Aidan tells it like it was and is banished, only to be ambushed and murdered on his way to Ireland by a party secretly sent out by Cynfyn. Amadis goes insane; Edar goes extremely melancholic.<br /><br />548 - Amadis still insane. I believe Cynfyn is left in charge of Leicester, which is draped in black cloth in mourning. Agwar and the remaining Leicestermen go on the tourney circuit full-time, as Cynfyn doesn't want "the bastard" hanging around.<br /><br />549 - Reports of a naked madman armed only with a dagger occur with some frequence throughout the county.<br /><br />550 - Still mad.<br /><br />551 - Crazy Amadis meets a Byzantine knight in the woods, and recovers. Meet the Chevalier Mal Fete. Winter in Carduel.<br /><br />552 - Quest to bring Edar back from seclusion requires a visit to his estranged wife. Awkward family scene between Agwar, his mother Lady Valerie, and his mother's boyfriend Sir Gwalchmai. Edar cajoled into returning home. The peasants of Lambor and Leicester are estactic ("Edar will save us from the Wastelands! Please, please, kiss my baby, lord!") ... until the Bastard goes into a frenzy and kills, oh, a LOT of peasants. Agwar gets a new nickname. Edar decides he's had enough, and sets off on the Grail Quest a year early. Amadis decides he's had enough, too, and goes with Edar as his squire.<br /><br />553 - Amadis was sad to see what happened to Edar and his family, but was glad his daughter is now married to the heir of Leicester and Lambor. Not bad for the daughter of a bottle-kicking commoner from Medbourne knighted on the field of Badon! Theudic, son of Sir Amadis, knighted by Agwar Allington in Leicester. Spend the year getting the Demon of Leicester recognized as the legitimate heir and lord of Leicester and Lambor. King Arthur once again cheats the Allingtons of what is rightfully theirs and only bestows Leicester on Agwar; Lambor goes back to the de Ganis! Winter in Camelot.<br /><br />Over winter Logres is swept by plague. Theudic's young squire and good friend Eustice succumbs, as do many men and women in Arthur's storied city. Word reaches the Leicestermen in Camelot that Lady Valerie died of the plague, as well as Lucia, Agwar's young wife, and his two young sons. Theudic's baby niece survives. Everyone goes into mourning.<br /><br />554 - Still in mourning, even though Agwar was invited onto the Round Table. While palling around with Mordred, he shows us the Siege Perilous. We see all the empty Round Table knight chairs, some with names (still alive) and some blank (dead). We look for Count Edar's chair when Greg asks Zev to roll a d20...of course a 20 comes up, and the chair is blank. Edar is dead! Leicestermen all melancholic and really bummed out. When the Grail Quest is announced at Pentecost feast, Agwar decides he wants to go, so we follow.<br /><br />555 - As we pass through Leicester on our way north to Mordred's ancestral lands—it's just as good a place to hunt for the Grail as any, right?—Agwar is made a Candlebee at the hands of Cynfyn, the only remaining Candlebee. As the requisite hive is set alight, a reading of the names on the Pillar of Resistence in Leicester town square takes place: Sir Rhun of the flowing blond locks, killed in 494 by the Black Annis; Sir Graid, also dissolved in 494 by the same; Sir Gwair of Lincoln, suavest man in all of Christendom <i>and</i> Pagandom; Sir Marten of Hertford, killed in battle with the upstart king in 505; scary Sir Padern of Lincoln, killed fighting against the upstart king in the battle of Bedegraine in 510; at Badon in 518, a terrible year, killed were Sirs Edward III of Leicerster, household knight of the count, Brandegoris Knight of the Hambone, and Seriol Allington, son of the count; Sir Bledri of Leicester, thorn in the side of tyrants everywhere, killed most treacherously in 532; Sir Perseus of Leicester, killed in 535 by the self-same agents of treachery; and now presumed dead, Sir Amadis of Leicester, Annis-killer, and our king, count, and lord Edar of Allington, master huntsman and beloved of peasants everywhere, 554. May God rest their souls.<br /><br />Sir Agwar, count of Leicester, Sir Theudic of Leicester, and Sir Rambeau of Noholt decide that since the Grail can be anywhere it could just as easily be in Byzantium as in Lothian. They take their leave of Sir Mordred and head south to rendezvous with the Beehive, docked Humber-side. But then word reaches the small party that King Mark has not only attacked Camelot, but has <b><i>gasp!</i></b> kidnapped Queen Isolt. Agwar and his men race south to the lady's rescue...Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-77237054945495088752009-08-24T18:16:00.000-07:002009-08-24T18:29:21.800-07:00543: Merionydd or Bust!!!!!!The LONELY sir Extavias........<br /> Count Edar left to the Funeral of Sir Borre and from ther he was going to the dean forest to set a pace to Merionydd and to save his heir and the children of leicester. My Lord is so noble that I can not imagine ever serving another! Apparently ( according to Sir Amadis ) a bone whistle was captured during last years battle by sir aedon and if my Lords party can reach Herford in the dean forest they can use it to reach Cader Idris swiftly. I wished so badly to go with my count, but sadly he said no. So now I sit at Tilton and await news like a pregnant wife! Count Edar did leave me in a good position however. A position of honour! Deputy castellan of Leicester itself!!!!!! Sir Gwalchmai congradulated me on the post before he went North to Count Derfel of Lincoln, his master. Sir Gwalchmai is so angry that his Lord would not give him leave to aid my count, as they have been friends for a lifetime. But it is well known that count Derfel is too jealous of My Lord Edar, and would never aid him in any wise. So now I sit waiting for word. Count Edar took with him only his most trusted companions..... Sir CynFyn, Sir Amadis, and Sir Aedon! CynFyn wanted to take many more knights, but my Lord refused. He said only that if Sir Gherrin came back from his errands in the North, then to send him on to find them. I begged to go but Count edar only laughed and said that he did not want to lose ALL the heirs of the Ironmen of Leicester in one fell swoop, and that if they fell..... i would be the last and most impotant of that line...... How sad......... I think, .......as i tuck myself in tonight and wonder where my brave companions are tonight.............brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-77928825032885457152009-08-24T17:41:00.000-07:002009-08-24T18:16:00.065-07:00542: Battle at Amren's Crossing!<span style="color:#cc66cc;">Sir Extavias here.....</span><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;"> Though I was not present I heard from Sir Amadis , all of the details......</span><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;"> Archbishop Dewi has been scaring the local peasantry with his priests by spreading the word that he may have to Excommunicate Count Edar again for not punishing the other Candlebee's for their insobordination. As such, the local pagans , of which there are many, have begun to harass and scare the christian peasants. They have been dressing like beasts and like ghouls and scaring them at night. It has been increasing in intensity. it did not take long for livestock do be killed or stolen, and then the unthinkable happened......!!!!!!! Children began to go missing!!!! Well Count Edar acted immediately. All knights and soldiers were put on constant patrol, and for a while it seemed to be working, until Sir Cynfyn, Amadis, Gherrin, And that crazy french knight, sir drogo and our Own Irish Prince Sir Aedon, all were at Amrens crossing one night. They had been out patroling and had stopped to stay the night at sir amren's manor. He is a young knight, only 23 years old and with a newborn child. He is well liked and is the grandson of sir tadicus, an original Ironman of Britian! Brilliant! </span><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;"> Well I get the story mixed up but to make it short..... The Manor was attacked by 3 devil knights, with their ogre pet and black dog servants!!!!!! And a sorcerer with a " Pet" wyrm!!!! As well as A warlord that was later revealed to be Sir Dewi's underpriest and right hand man......!!!! All were slain except for the sorcerer who barely escaped the wrath of the irish prince aedon!!! Aedon was once again mighty at arms and saved many of his companions!!!! I am begining to believe the irish are great heroes and not the thieving, cowardly , liars that other briton's make them out to be. King Anguish's son is one of the most noble men that ever I have met. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;"> After the battle Dewis henchman was questioned. It was difficult for he was laughing mad and little sense could be made of what he said, but he stated that the Archbishop was a pawn and a fool, and that even now he lay in prision in Merionydd under Cader Idris, and that King gurglan of that country expected Count Edar himself to go into that country and give himself in captivity and for sacrifice to the king or else all of the abducted children of Leicester would perish( and to everyones horror that meant Edar the younger, our counts Grandson who fell During the battle of anrens crossing and was secreted out of there).When asked why this was happening the reply was that King Gurglan who had lived for centuries, needed a sacrifice to prolong his immortality. However to do it best he must have a true Hero. Thus count Edar who is known In Kiev, constantinople , trebizond. epypt, spain, the continent, norway and denmark, and all places in between. Sir Gwalchmai offered to die in my Lords stead( a very generous and brave thing to do) but even though very glorious he is not nearly as glorious as my Lord..... It was told that only my counts heart or the heart of King Arthur , Sir Lancelot, or Sir Tristram would do. A shame. And to sum up the year we heard that King Arthurs son and heir apparent Sir Borre died of an arrow wound while helping the de ganis liberate their lands. Also His only other son, Sir Loholt has been unaccounted for for the last 3 years. Arthur was distraught and we attended the funeral at the Giants Dance where Uther, Ambrosius and other vgreat men are buried. I Noted the burial place being kept warm for our Lord Arthur and it sent shivers up my spine. What will become of our Land if Arthur dies? Best not to ponder that. A horrible and dark year it has been indeed.</span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-21276980999579555822009-08-03T18:16:00.000-07:002009-08-03T18:39:32.834-07:00541: The Missing King !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff9900;">Sir Extavias reporting....</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff9900;"> What a year. I accompanied my Lord Young Edar to Camelot to Give the De Ganis clan their money that was owed them. Some 200 + Libra!!!!!! Just outside og the splendid city we ran across Sir LAncelot Himself. It was the first time I had ever met him, and by God.. What an excellent fellow he seemed. He simply Told Us to Give the Money to Arthur for the Back Taxes that we owed The High King when My Count had been in Rebellion. What a gentleman! </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff9900;"> We went To Camelot and did just that! We were in the second hall and took in all the sites og Camelot! It is the greatest and most splendid city in the world no doubt! Even better than Constantinople I hear! I believe it too. We Met with the King and he is Truly the most Gracious Lord a Knight could have. A truly noble man! But his wife is even more unbelievable......A true..... Godess!!!!!!! I would give my bones for a mere kind word from her. It was the first Time I had ever met her, and I swear that I will never know love unless it be that lady. I would fight sir lancelot himself. or Sor Tristram, the best knights of the world, if she would simply speak to me or even glance my way and smile....... !!!!!!!! Pure beauty! </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff9900;"> But enough of that....... there are serious matters to attend to.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff9900;"> As we woke the next morning sir constantine made a hue and crie that the King had Vanished from his room. After some questioning we all knew it was sorcery, because There had been other retainers in his room and they had seen nothing of his abduction. All the knights of the realm then left to scour the lowlands and find our missing king.... Including ourselves. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff9900;"> But a funny thing happened..... None of us could agree on whhere to look. I said It had to be Morgan Le fey, and so we should go to the oeninsila of Wirral which is her stronghold. No one agreed. Sor Gherrin said it ws the saxon witch Camille come back to life in Anglia and we should look there. None agreed. Sir Drogo said perhaps it is in the welsh lands, where the old pagan sorcerers are strongest? No one agreed. I wished sir CynFyn were there but he was at his manor being very melencholy since he found out that last year just before returning from the continent, Count Bedegraine had raided our lands and the brave peasent family that he called the Carters( which had once saved his life), had been killed in the raid. So Young Edar suggested that there were cyrsed wastelands in the North near Malahaut and we should go there. No one agreed. In the End sir Amadis said, forget it!!!!! We have no chance of Finding King Arthur. Its a needle in a haystack, and since one place is as good as another........... Lets go get some vengence on Bedegraine!!!! So we did. We raides a few manors and each got a few Librum, and then we went over to the Manor of Bunny and gave Sir CynFyns wife the proceeds. I hope that helped alleviate some of his melancholia! The as we were returning we were met at a desecrated graveyard by 5 huge deadly beasts which Sir Aedon called Hyenas!!!!!!!!!!! Jesus were they ugly and did they smell bad!!!!!!! We tried to fight them but me and Amadis went down as did Sir gherrin. Sir Edar the Younger was able to hill one of the five, but it was actually our Irish Prince Sir Aedon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He killed the other 4 and saved our lives. He was like a man possessed. I have never seen a man fight better unless he be Sir Lamorak or perhaps sir Palomydes or Lancelot. Outstanding. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff9900;"> After that fight we were all much too hurt to go on so we went home to tend our Manor's and lick our wounds. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff9900;"> I had a very bad harvest and was doomed to debt before my old master Sir Amadis gifted me with 12 Librum to keep the manor going. What a great companion!!!! Well. Hopefully next year will be more productive.</span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-23486118189996288102009-07-29T17:31:00.000-07:002009-08-03T18:15:59.569-07:00540: The Sleeping Count<span style="color:#ff0000;">Sir extavias here....</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Well we left the continent and landed at Portsmouth where we had a delightful dinner with Prince Borre and some of the De ganis clan!!! It seems that there are three new and youthful members of the clan that are catching everyones eye. The oldest brother is Sir Gilmarus, a handsome yet somber and courteous lad of 25 years. He wears the latest continental fashions, and weather he realizes it or not the ladies adore him. The second is Sir Amhar, a rather serious fellow with a scarred face that turns his mouth up into a perpetual sneer. He is very curt and says very little , though i suspect that is because of his maimed face. And lastly is their cousin sir Cephilio who is tall, handsome, in fashion, and very friendly, often taking on the role of negotiator and head orator of the group, but always careful to defer to Sir Gilmarus in matters of importance. A curious group, made even more curious by there other traveling companion Iorweth, a hump-backed, churlish, dirty, rude , cackling fellow that is never without his half-burnt and scarred cat felago. What an interesting dinner. We learned that Prince Borre had King Arthurs blessing to lead an army( composed mostly of mercenaries , but with some volunteers, also ) to the continent to aid the De Ganis in reclaiming there lands. Truly all were amazed at Sir Borres countenance. Where we all had known him as a courtier before he was now a rugged knight that smacked of confidence and wore his blade as if he knew how to use it. Though pleasent he was no longer quite so flamboyant as he used to be. No. he was serious and somber indicating a singularness of purpose that was palpable to anyone who spoke to him for even a moment. He had turned into a proper warlord, some were saying, and he was going to the continent to prove this to any in the realm that may have had their doubts! A brave man!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">We left Edar the Younger at portsmouth to recover as the doctor there said traveling would be the worst thing for him. We all then traveled to Leicester. A half day out we ran into the Bailiff samuel, who rejoiced at seeing us and said that Count Edar was a bed and very ill. We hurried to the castle at once. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">When we entered the castle we knew something was amis. The servants were wound tight and looked fearful and afraid even to speak to us. Why? as we were wondering our answer came downstairs in the form of a litle imp of a man in dark clothing that was berating a servant at the top of his lungs for getting Hot water when everyone knew that tepid water with spices was what u used on a sick man. As the liyttle imp , or Archbishop Dewi of Britian saw us, we all let out a collective moan. No man was more unsuited to be a persons sole spiritual guide. But here he was.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">We attempted to be courteous, but soon that was over and we learned that Dewi had been on his way to the pentecostal feast and tourney at Lincoln and while passing through Leicester 2 days ago heard of edars illness. So of course Dewi SELFLESSLY laid aside his plans to stay and aid our count with his multitude of Bishops and priests which we all noted were living very well at my Counts estates and seemed to be lacking nothing that they neeeded. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sir CynFyn demanded to see Edar and Dewi admitted him. AS we questioned the Archbishop we learned that Edar our count, was not ill. It seemed he was CURSED!!!! He was simply asleep and could not be awoken. We were all petrified by this and asked Dewi how he knew!? He said that there had been pagan signs left in the bedding of the count bwhen he was first found, but Dewi had had all of the evil things burnt and now a veritable CHOIR of priests was standing a 24 hour vigil over Edar and saying never ending prayers for his salvation, and exorcism. Sir CynFyn argued for a while with Father Dewi, but finally to all of our surprise he and amadis The Candlebees, roughly escorted all of the bishops and priests , Including Dewi, out of the castle!!!!! Father Dewi left the city towards Lincoln with dire threats on his tongue and said of course that the High King would hear of this poor treatment he had recieved while trying to be selfless to a count that had trouble deciding which wife was his at any given month. It was Edars double dealing in wives that was cursing him ,Dewi could be heard saying as he left the city. And he threw the words Leicester, cursed, and ungodly around where all the commeners could here it and be afraid. He even said that he hoped he would not have to excommunicate anyone again for that would be unfortunate. Bastard!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sir Cynfyn stayed at the castle in Leicester to ask questions and to supervise. He learned that because of the ritualistic idols found in the bedding of the count , it was a the magic of the far North that was used in the curse! Also he learned that the last night Edar was okay many servants saw a Northwoman leaving his bedchamber late. They all assumed it to be his Lady Valerie. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">I followed my knight sir Amadis to the small manor that Edar had given to Valerie and her household. It was there that we discovered that Valerie was staying and that she had already been accused by Archbishop Dewi as he was going North to the Pentecost Tournament, but King Arthur was also going North, and hearing of what was transpiring he was comforted that the Archbishop's own household would be so kind as to watch over Sir Edar, and until the Tourney was concluded he did not want Lady Valerie to be judged. This would give her time to make a case, and when Arthur was on his way back to Camelot he would then see to the matter. Until then He left two Round Table knights at the manor to guard the Lady. Sir Morlons and Sir Bevardius. Both new members but able. We heard from Valerie that Dewi was pissed at that, for he must have thought that he would get to try Valerie and Burn her in a day or two, but.........</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Valerie and all the others there said it was no secret who cursed Count Edar. It was Valeries own Aunt Hilda. She apparently , was angred by the fact that Edar had publicly Put aside the Princess Valerie in favor to his old marriage to Queen Elaine. Nevermind that people tried to explain the it was for the Good of Edars people who were not getting their spiritual needs met, and that there was little else he could do. Nevermind that he and Valerie married in the Old way and that they both seemed content. In Hilda's eyes the Princess of Trond had been wronged, so , disgusted with men in general, and Count Edar specifically, she Cursed him to perpetual sleep. Then knowing that Valerie would not understand that it had been for her own good, she fled North And we heard ended in OLD SORESTAN In the woods , Just North of Sir Gwalchmai's stronghold of Horncastle. As we arrived in old Sorestan we were traveling through the woods and were ambushed by Saxons. They were easily dispersed and so we moved to a nearby hold that was occupied by A DANISH Lord. It seems that the Dane Guthruum had been given the hold by the Count of Lindsey, and in return he promised to hunt down all Partisan saxons of Old Sorestan. It was at this Hold that we found Old Hilda who had taken protection from Guthruum the Dane!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Guthruum said we could not have her unless she went with us of her own accord. After some dealmaking she consented to come with us if we could defeat a monster of the north that the Danes had brought from their homeland. We consented and Guthruum, who seemed as excited as his men about the sport of watching us die, opened the huge pit on the hall floor. And out came the huge creature that the Danes called a troll. It was ugly, but other than that..... no challenge. Sir Amadis, Sir CynFyn, and the French knight Drogo, all cut it down in under one minute and all emerged without a scratch. It was ugly and strong, but terribly slow. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">True to her word Hilda went with us and released Edar from his curse. Not only was our Count saved , but he wasnt even angry. He took Hilda and Valerie into his confidence and by the time they were done speaking, They were all laughing, and Edar had Given Hilda a fine manor and a rich one, on the border of Bedegraine. Wow. Anyway... that was my last year of adventure as a squire, for Count Edar knighted me and gave me my ancestral manor of Tilton-on-the-Hill, as Sir Brandegoris of the Hambones last son. I will try to uphold my good family name. I had to fix Tilton up as the year before the old mill had burned down, and there were other repairs that needed tending. So I spent some of the 30 Librum in Roman coin that my Mother Brianna had sent me from Caerwent upon my knighting. In fact I spent them all. Then I gave count Edar my last 9 libra that I had. This Libra was the result of my loot as a squire in three years on the continent as a mercenary, but I knew my Count needed Money to pay his debts to the De Ganis clan. Well I cant wait till next year!!! Hazzahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-54933939815459371372009-07-12T07:56:00.001-07:002009-07-19T17:23:34.124-07:00539: The Mercenary Life, Year ThreeSir Amadis here...<br /><br />Do you know, in these parts they have a marvelous way with wine, turning it into a most potent yet flavorful drink? Armagnac, they call it. Whenever we pillage a monastary or town with a distillery I try to grab a bottle or two. When I sip it, I recall the strangely green fields of Faerie, or sometimes the almost-fetid forest smell of Britain, when summer is high and the woods choked with vines, rotting fruit, and earth. I love that smell. Here it's all dry and dust and resinous, even when we're marching through the endless fields of lavender. As I lie here in camp, my head resting on my saddle as I sip a small cup of armagnac and watch Arce, Crespo and Escara play dice, I can still smell the lavender on the leather.<br /><br />In two or three days, the king says we will be in Bordeaux, in the same place as the largest remaining Aquitanian army. We are all wondering what will happen: will allies show up as promised? Will we win this fight then go home to our wives and children? Or will King Theudis turn his sights on kingdoms and counties beyond the Dordogne?<br /><br />We've heard that King Arthur and his Round Table knights are fighting the King of the Franks in the north, chasing after a damosel. Everyone says Arthur is after a new wife. What happened to Queen Guenevere? I wonder, are Sirs Gwalchmai and King Edar there, too? Will we march toward Paris after we take Bordeaux?<br /><br />Julian, my trustworthy squire of many, many years, died from a fever. We buried him under an old oak tree. Sanza's my squire now, but he is hopeless.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Extavias here...</span></span><br /><br />What a trial. We were given our freedom by the suprisingly noble knight of the green fields, in return for our pledge to pay our ransom later. So for the last 3 years we have been selling ourselves as mercenaries on the continent to the highest bidder. I know I am only a squire still, but with all these years of fighting under my belt, id wager that I am a good deal hardier than most of my Leicester brethren even though I am no knight. Some men say that I am finally starting to fill out and gain my muscle and a little mass and thats making me look more like my father Brandegoris, but In reality I will never be as large as my father. I have too much of my mother, Brianna in me. The roman heritage from Caerwent runs fairly strong within me. I am not small, but I am no giant.<br /><br />Anyway, the most ludicrous thing happened during the fighting. We met up, quite accidently with brave sir Amadis!!!!!!!!!!!! There has been much tragedy these last few years and Amadis gives us a little bit hope and joy. He and CynFyn even made amends, and have accepted each other as fellow candlebees and brothers.<br /><br />Now we await the " BEEHIVE" 's return as we sit in Bordeaux. We all did very well in the pillaging and bought our freedom, with still s decent amount of coin to aid Count Edar with his financial problems, as was the reason behind our coming to the continent initially. So with Good sir Amadis in tow we hope to be back home by pentecost at least! HAzzaahhh!!!Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-7074020167955343852009-07-12T07:55:00.001-07:002009-07-12T08:37:20.679-07:00538: The Mercenary Life, Year Two<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Amadis here...</span><br /><br />The king continues to punish the Franks for murdering old King Theodoric and invading Carthaginiensis. He and his men have been on the move for years now, fighting in the north of Spain, the majestic mountains of Navarre, and now the rich river-fed lands of Aquitaine. We've battled in Septimania, Toulouse, and Gascony. I remember how a certain Sir Lucius of Caerwent, as I recall, would go on and on about the superiority of the Romans, and how we'd Leicestermen would shout him down. But after living in and campaigning through these old Roman provinces and seeing the splendor of their works myself...when compared to the old stone pile of Medbourne castle, the graceful arches of aquaducts really are a cut above. I wonder if Sir Lucius was just repeating the stories of his fathers, or if he ever saw these marvels himself; I hope he had that pleasure.<br /><br />King Theudis holds me in some regard because even though I am a foreigner, and low-born, the glory of my exploits is known far and wide, more than is usual for knights in his army. And the king himself, as I have mentioned, is not of noble birth himself, but has raised himself to his exalted station through dint of native skill and ability. After we'd run wild through Septimania, and prevailed in pitched battles outside Narbonne and Carcassonne, the king spoke to the assembled army. He said that he was creating a new class of noble in order to reward his brave and loyal followers and to settle new-won lands in friendly hands: these new-made knights were henceforth to be known as the <span style="font-style: italic;">caballeros villenos</span>. So now I command a <span style="font-style: italic;">banderas</span> of 25 villein-knights, my cousins and others that have proven themselves adept with spear and sword. Perhaps it is the time spent fighting bulls, but they're pretty good with a lance, even if their stand-and-fight spearwork lacks luster. Just as well, really, for in general the southern armor is light and flimsy. Oh, how I miss my fine partial-plate armor, rusting at the bottom of the French ocean!<br /><br />I turned 44 this year, and for the first time ever, I felt <span style="font-style: italic;">old</span>. In the autumn I was laid low for several weeks from a bad side of beef, so bad I thought I might never ride again!...it took me months to get over it; even so, my grip feels weaker than it has before, and I still tire easier than before. Sigh. I wonder how my family fares.Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-41472584218777795112009-07-12T07:49:00.000-07:002009-07-12T08:11:18.239-07:00537: The Mercenary Life, Year OneSir Amadis here...<br /><br />I received a letter from Gilet while on the battlefield outside Vasconia, from a young man wearing bits and pieces of armor and riding a very tired cart horse. I went to the king's chirurgen to get the letter read, but he was still busy tending the wounded and sent me to the chapel tent to have it read.<br /><br />The friar-clerk said the letter was from the priest in Gilet, who had the words from Desdemona, my wife: she thanked me for the spoils I had sent, and that she had invested them wisely. She and the baby were fine, though now he was old enough that old Barro was teaching him to ride the pony, and had made him toy spears with which he terrorized the chickens in the yard. That made me smile, thinking of how my father used to thrash my older brother for doing the same...but later that night I wept thinking of my wife and my son, who I have not yet laid eyes on.<br /><br />There have been no more messages from Queen Valerie, and no word from King Edar. I am alone in a sea of fighting men, floating on a raft of boisterous cousin-knights.Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-37443674419766755352009-06-29T17:44:00.000-07:002009-07-08T08:36:48.645-07:00536: Adventure On the Continent<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Sir Extavias here...... </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"> Well.....what a foul year it has been. My half brother Sir Arddur ap Brandegoris was slain in battle while pillaging the franks of Aquitaine( Ganis). High King Arthur had all his troops go to the continent and make war on the franks there for generally being belligerent and finally angering him too much by imprisioning our Queen Guinevere's own cousin Elyzabel falsely. Our King could take no more and so we marched on France. Many of the De Ganis clan wanted permission and Aid in taking back their homeland of Benoit and Aquitaine. Arthur granted it. The knights of Leicester were not exactly summoned to the continent by Arthur, but Our Lord Count Edar sent a small contingent under the command of his grandson and heir Edar the lesser. It Consisted mainly of 10 knights and about 100 screaming and well equipped Irish Kerns under the command of Prince Aedon son of King Anguish of Ireland. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"> We heard , as we landed at Nantes , in Brittany, that there was war between mighty Vennatais, and its King Conan, and Duke Hoel of Cournailles. We didnt necessarily want to get involved but when we heard that the mighty and chivalrous Sir Tristram was helping defend the righteous Sir Hoel, we decided then and there to aid him as well...... for a fair price of course....... well..... our upkeep doesnt pay for itself after all. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"> I am squired to sir Quillam, and I accompanied him to the battle of Nantes, where we fought long and hard and ended at a standstill. Indecisive. But Vennetais left to lick their wounds and were damaged enough that we, in effect, saved Duke Hoel. Our Friend , the mighty, Sir Cynfan, was hurt sorely and could not travel . He was too near death, so he would stay with Sir Tristram and Duke Hoel, while the rest of us would travel to Aquitaine to pillage and raid the Franks there. My Brother Arddur was well wounded and I urged him to stay behind with Cynfan, but he felt that he would be safe to raid. He is large like myself and I think often overestimates his prowess. Well we recieved much plunder over the next two weeks, but as we were returning with it , the famous Aquitanian banneret, called The Banneret of the Green fields</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">found us and ambushed us in the woods we were traveling in. He had much in the way of archers and infantry and outnumbered our weary band by at least 5 to 1 and we fell quite easily I am afraid. My Brother, the mighty Arddur was slain in the battle as well, and now we are all captives of this banneret. I have sent this letter to you my friend so that you know what has become of me. Please tell the rest of the family. I cant believe Arddur fell. He was so like our father in size and ferocity. But many people did speculate that he was softer because he was raised all those years in Camelot. I am just as large and I was raised in that hellpit called Tilton-on-the-Hill, so I vow that I will make my father proud, by becoming a candlebee, and by garnering such a reputation in battle that men will know me as my father's ONLY son. I swear it by all the Sons Of Thelos...... Damn these franks to hell. Since sir Quillam was killed as well, I am a free squire, and will ask to be made a knight. I must avenge all the wrongs done to my family and make the Lineage of Brandegoris Tilton ring through all the Land!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sir Gede here...<br /><br />How quickly the fortunes of men turn! Sir Quillam, rich from jousting, only a few months later laid low with a spear to the side, never to rise....young Boots, beloved grandson of Count Edar, bloodied and held captive by the Banneret of the Green Fields in Benwick....mighty Sir Arddur, gone to sit at the right side of St Guinefort in Heaven....<br /><br />I don't see what good we are doing for our liege lord now, sitting prisoner in Aquitaine instead of collecting the funds to pay the fine levied by King Arthur. At least Sir Aiden, the Irish prince, is hale and seeing that we are well taken care of. Boots was not badly hurt, and was up and about in short order—he has his grandsire's constitution, surely—and when I was newly on my feet again we received word of Sir Cynfyn's presence, and were much cheered. The man himself looked haggard, and explained that he'd left for Leicester as soon as he was recovered from his own grievious wound, but the word he brought back from court was not encouraging. After years of war and plunder by our beloved high king, Leicester's vassals said they would raise the ransom as soon as possible...hopefully within five years, perhaps seven. Seven years! I will be an old man of almost 30 by the time I gain my freedom.<br /><br />Heaven help us, and Leicester!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Amadis here...</span><br /><br />The tide goes out, the tide comes in, and once again I ride for King Theudis of Spain. Two of my cousins and my dear squire Julian survived the shipwreck, as did the captain and several of the crew. The horses did not, being tied into their stalls and drowning when the ship broke apart on the reefs. I shall miss Eustice; he was a fine animal, battle-hardened and true.<br /><br />The Gascon peasants who live near where our ship sank took us in, gave me a new pair of shoes, and took us to the local lord. I was nervous showing up unarmed and unarmored at the hall of someone who could very well be a deadly enemy, for I did not know if the lords in these parts were friendly to King Theudic, the de Ganis, the King of France, King Arthur, or some other lord of high repute. Fortunately for me and my men, now that the de Ganis are mostly dead, the region has splintered as each lord fights and squabbles to assemble his own little fiefdom out of the carcass, with the Kings of Spain and France on either side. Our host, a Sir Childeric, dubbed the Girthy, was himself engaged in skirmishes with his neighbors over lordless lands. He was happy to outfit us in spare armor and mounts in exchange for news and the chance to play the generous lord.<br /><br />Three days later, Julian, Garza, Rodrigo, and I rode off to find Theudic....when the army saw us riding up, they started shouting "Torres! Torres!" until the king himself came out to see what the commotion was all about. We were warmly welcomed back, and are once again fighting for the king as he pushes north.<br /></span></span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-67282583623975909002009-06-14T18:02:00.000-07:002009-07-08T08:18:11.890-07:00535: Revenge<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"One of the requirements of becoming a Candlebee is—"<br />"—killing a Round Table knight?"<br />"No."<br /><br /><br />"The de Ganis are on coke."<br /><br />--------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lady Ealhred speaks...</span><br /><br />I was in attendance with my lady early spring day when word came from her lord: a journey to far Gales to beg forgiveness from the archbishop, and a lifting of the interdict! Praise Jesu, I am hopeful that this will be so. It is a horrible burden to be cut off from the church. I myself would live in eternal agony if my flesh-and-blood were to die without the last embrace from Holy Mother Church. And surely many mothers are at such risk, as our menfolk resolve the troubles with the high king. Mother of God, please keep my son safe!...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lady Valery speaks...</span><br /><br />The hills around Leicester were just regaining their green blush when a messenger from the bishop came calling to the keep, with a message from my lord and the archbishop, he said. He announced to me and my ladies-in-waiting, with no small amount of satisfaction, that my lord was on his way home after agreeing to annul our marriage. He went on, noting that this would of course reduce the status of my three children to that of bastard. Seeing no reaction from me, he licked his lips, like a cat that licks stolen cream off its chops, and said my lord would be back within the week.<br /><br />After I dismissed him I looked to my ladies for counsel. Lady Peony suggested taking my complaint to the queen's Court of Love; Lady Glorie said I should fall on my knees and beg my lord's forgiveness, as he'd begged the forgiveness of the archbishop. As if! Lady Ealhred suggested taking up vows. Lady Oriel, understanding me best, offered her townhouse to me, as I was now an unmarried woman and it was unseemly to live in under a strange man's roof.<br /><br />And so several days later I found myself keeping house across town, my children and ladies and servants with me. I got word of his return, but it was not until some time later that he came calling. I was dreading laying eyes again on my lord, for I did not know what my reaction would be: icy cold like the Trond goddesses of the north? Fiery hot like the savage blood of my warrior countrymen? But when he at last came to my door I found that I could not reject him—I still loved him! And so I said, if he wanted me despite the blackhearts of this church saying otherwise, he must meet me under the eaves of the Charnwood on Midsummer night and we would marry in the old way, the heathen way.<br /><br />Early on the day of Midsummer Eve I rode from Leicester with my ladies and a few trusted servants, east to the holy well near unto Kirby Muxloe, and took a ritual bath under the ash trees. We slept in the grove that night, and the next day, with all our clothes and horses wet with dew, we rode up to the forest, and the old hill with the standing stones the people hereabouts use on their non-Church festivals.<br /><br />He was there, which I did not expect, and alone, which I also did not. I thought that Sir Perseus, he of the heathen ways, would at least accompany his lord if his other, religious men could not.<br /><br />But he came to me on the hill, by the old stones, and we said our vows and, as the custom of this land (and indeed, my own) dictates, I gave to him a gift of the heart: a Roman glass flask, chased with gold to set off the red of the glass, containing a very precious elixir given to me by the wise women of Trond before I departed to this land. Seeing as I have now how perilious the life of a Leicesterman is, I wanted my lord and now again my husband, to have the gift of life should he find himself mortally wounded and far from home.<br /><br />He took the flask and stuck it in a fold of his tunic, then took my hand and we departed from the hill.<br /><br />Did my dreams under the ash trees lead me wrong? Does he care for me at all? He had no heart gift to bestow to me...Did he only marry me for the sake of the children? I am so confused and, I fear, falling into a deep melancholy that not even the sight of the flowering hollies can overcome...<br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Count Edar Speaks…</span><br />No matter how long I live, I shall <em>never </em>understand women<br /><br />As the winter storms drew to a close I took a small host of knights to seek out Archbishop Dewey. Arthur Pendragon is once again my rightful lord, and I have a duty to the people of Leicester and Lambor to look after their wellbeing. The church interdiction weighs heavily on their heads, and I will not allow my people’s souls to be at risk for my pride. Dressed in the meanest clothes I had – I think they once dismissed by Yeoman Bowman’s wife as being too poor for a free man of Allington to wear – I travelled to Dewey. I brought young Perseus with me after getting his pledge that if he attended me, I would expect him to agree to the requirements of the Archbishop, without heed to comfort or what he felt was just. When we arrived I was directed to wait on a stone bench for the Archibishop. For 5 days I sat, stooping to pray, but not too eat or to sleep. At the end of the 5th day I dropped from hunger and exhaustion, but I returned to the bench as soon as I recovered. Soon after that Dewey agreed to see me.<br /><br />When I arrived and begged his forgiveness he made several demands – I would make a pilgrimage to St. Albans from Leicester, barefoot and do what was demanded of me. Of course I agreed at once. I would pay for the British Church to annul my marriage to Elaine of Garloth – Whatever the cost, I replied. The Archbishop said it would be more than I paid for the Pope to try to annul it. I replied as mildly as I could that it would have to be – the pope annulled my marriage when I accompanied Arthur to capture Rome and have Arthur declared emperor. We later agreed that 25 Librum would be sufficient. No problem. Finally, he said I would have to have my marriage to Valerie annulled, or she would have to convert to Christianity. I wish he had instead asked that I lose an arm or be blinded! But I could not refuse for the sake of my people. I only hoped to reach her and tell her before the Archbishop’s word did.<br /><br />As we prepared to return to Leicester, we saw a fast rider depart the monastery on the road to Leicester. My horse was not fast, but Sir Aeddan’s was and he rode after the messenger. I would learn later that he was not successful in beating the ill tidings to my hall.<br /><br />When I returned to Leicester, Valerie was nowhere to be found. Before I could look for her I was told that Lancelot was here to see me. That fine knight had done well for me, and it was his actions that reconciled the king and I. I had him brought to me and asked how I could serve. He told me that he had a grievance to put to the King’s judgement, or if I would not agree for the king to rule, then we would be foes. I asked him what this was and he said that my household had been responsible for the murder of 5 of his kinsman. I felt that this claim was not accurate, but with Valerie gone, I asked for time to consider. He agreed to let me have the night.<br /><br />When he left, I learned that Valerie was staying in the house of one of her ladies. I went to her at once. I was prepared for her to be angry with me. I was prepared for her to be cold. I was not prepared for her to see me dressed as an unmarried woman. Seeing her this way tore my heart. I begged her to forgive me. I explained that I had to think of my people. She was unmoved. With tears in my eyes I pleaded – we were married in the tradition of her folk, and thought nothing of the church. We were in love. I married her in the church manner to give the people a cause to celebrate and to show my commitment to the lady in a way they could understand. The blessings of the church mean nothing to me without her. I continued to plead with her and she relented, saying if I would meet her at midsummer in the sacred grove, she would marry me in the tradition of her people. My heart leapt, and I agreed. She said until then she would remain at this house. I left feeling better than I have in years.<br /><br />The next morning I agreed to present the dispute with the DeGanis to Arthur. I only asked that it be done after I had made my pilgrimage to St. Albans and that I must be here for Midsummer. He agreed to my requests and left at once.<br /><br />My pilgrimage was a lesson in humility, as it was meant to be. Throughout the ordeal I found myself asking why God would demand that I be parted from my beloved Valerie. Throughout it all, I reminded myself that the penance was for the sake of the people of Leicester. I would spend an eternity in the pagan afterworld for Valerie to look upon me with love again.<br /><br />Before midsummer, Galeholt, Elaine’s son came and challenged Perseus to a duel. Pereus accepted, and they fought. It was a terrible exchange, but Perseus lost. I grieve for the death of my fellow candlebee, and my friend’s son. I have heard the whispers that it is a good thing for my court to be without him, but noone has dared to say this where they realized I could hear.<br /><br />Midsummer night came and I met Valerie at the appointed site. No priests were present but I am assured that we are once again husband and wife. She gave me a gift that night of a strange liquid. I took it of course, but I did not know to bring something for her. If only Perseus had been there to warn me of this custom! At first I thought this was not a problem – when we were first joined in Trond I had nothing, but I have since learned that I have hurt her deeply. Like I said, I shall never understand women. I blame Guinevere and her court of love. All that I have, indeed all that I am is Valerie’s for the asking. Were she to ask it I would even leave Leicester and return to her home in Trond. My home and my life is wherever she is. I am a simple man and not one given to great speeches, love poems, or songs. I do not have that gift. Nor do I have money to buy her gifts. Indeed the struggles of the last year have left me in debt to nearly all the wealthy of Logres! Still, if there was anything she wanted, it would be hers. I only hope that she understands what it is that she means to me. It is my fondest wish to live the rest of my years with her at my side.<br /><br />As the year drew to a close I learned of the kings judgement - I am to pay a blood debt of 220 librum to the Deganis within the year. I groaned but thought, what is another debt at this point? I shall have to send my knights abroad to bring back money for these payments. Whatever comes, so long as Valerie stands beside me I know I will prevail.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sir Arddur here.... </span><br /><br />Well the High King was generous. He let Ellidyr and myself go unmolested back to Leicester after there vwas peace made. No ransom was asked. What an Amazing High King we have.<br />When we returned Lord Edar was not as displeased with us as I thought he would be. We will bve punished I am sure, but he said he has much to think on and that he will get to punishing us later.<br /><br />Sir Ellidyr confessed finally to Count Edar that while in Ireland he skimmed money from my lord! Edar showed so little emotion that I dont know how he felt. Edar said that Ellidyr should go about his normal duties while he considers the matter, and then he will summon Ellidyr again. Ellidyr was of course sadenned by this turn of events, but overall he is more happy and energetic tthan I have ever seen him. His burden lifted all he speaks about is Leona, and how he will right his wrongs and make Lord Edar love him once again. He is practicing his sword play very hard and getting ready for war in earnest. He said that he knows our Lord needs Librum badly and he has vowed that hew will find a way to help our lord.<br /><br />For now we go on as usual and wait for word of our punishment, and Ellidyr awaits the arrival of his beloved. Tommorrow we will go pay our respects tpo all the fallen, especially sir Quillam and Sir Perseus. I wish to prove myself to my Lord soon as well and be made a candlebee as my father once was. I want to show my Lord my worth. Maybe I will help Ellidyr to find income fore our Lord. That would certainly put us back in his good graces.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Amadis here...</span><br /><br />Once I braved the open ocean for my lord (and a woman), and that ended poorly. A second time I sailed, to that damable island of traitorous Irish, and need I say how poorly that ended? A third time I sailed, to distance myself from jealous flatterers and hangers-on, south to the old Roman lands of Spain, and even though I was sad to leave my lord and companions and homeland, I was glad to be traveling and fighting for a worthy king. But I see now that lovely Spain's waters are also treacherous, as I sit on the sand and watch the waves play over the wreckage of the ship that was taking my cousins and I back to Leicester. Oh damable ocean! Saltier than tears, and just as plentiful.<br /><br />Now it is light, and the villagers are coming down to salvage what they can of the wrack washing up on the shore. My spears and sword are gone, I have only one boot, and I am nauseous from swallowing so much salt water. But I still have my dagger, if these men prove themselves churls indeed.Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-92207728933415240862009-06-07T08:20:00.000-07:002009-06-23T06:20:51.924-07:00534: Resolution<h3><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>August 29</b></span></h3> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>Oh my good Lord Cynfyn, first your commands. This is inside the frenchy room in the count’s outer bailey where you woke in the dark. I read my account to you and you commanded me two things. </i></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>You commanded me first to record praise for bailiff Hugh who got the cart and I do here, and Sir, I ask too that you remember Nathan and Thomas and John o’ th’ Well and his wife and boy and girls and ol’ widow redhead who all pulled it, beside your squires when they had to, to get us here safely. Lady Lizabet is no shirker of hard times, Sir, and your children have the iron of their father in their blood—not a tear or whine from them even when the arrows were landing among us. Your squires, sir, they were an army, and it was Jesus Fighting Christ that killed the dog who stabbed your son. <s><strike>Now I am frightened at the face of your God. The God I gave you.</strike></s></i></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>What faerie touch Lady Lizabet has, she says “just honey and two stitches a day,” and you know I am a tender of wounds, but I know not what she does or who guides her. <s><strike>What did she mean when she said, “Odio, didn’t you have a mother?”</strike></s></i></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i><s><strike>Forgive me, this is not about me Lord.</strike></s> Your Lady kept you alive, your squires and FJ kept us safe, we even brought some pigs into the city when we got here. Your son is recovering quickly and our good Count King is preparing to march against another army of pillagers from the south. Needle peddler told me they are all Goths, and I think he means de Ganis, and they are mad as hell. Have they not had enough? </i></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>And second, your sword and arms are there, see, where one of your brave squires holds them. I swear again, I will hold you up in my own arms if need be, to help you kill anyone who comes among us. </i></span></p> <h3><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>August 31</b></span></h3> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>Good my Lord Cynfyn, brave knight. This is written now after you have heard me, and you drank the soup that you said had feathers in it. This is the battle I heard of, at Bramcote. </i></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>Fifteen to one it was! Cowardly odds, I say, and still Count King Edar is victorious! Sir Perseus said 50 Round Table knights sought out our count at Bramcote, and failed. Marshall Griflet must envy Count Edar’s skill, who brought our whole army home, out of a trap, to our city. A while back a mass of commoners had come here to join his army, but Edar sent them all home. “Your station is to farm, ours to fight.” They cheered him, they did, and they dispersed into the countryside they came from. And good thing it was too, because when the army assembled, to fight Lambor again, some of those commoners boldly came to Count Edar on the field. They told where the enemy had hidden his armies. The army withdrew, with Candlebees fighting in the rear guard. </i></span></p> <h3><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>September 2</b></span></h3> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>Everyone is in the city now. We are glad you can sit up and I pray you get better yet. We can see the siege engines being erected, and kerns swarm like lice. Myself, I have counted 47 banners of the Round Table in the camp, and probably more. I cannot be sure. Is it 5000 men out there against us? Let us see who gets sick first. I heard some of those monks chanting to curse us one night. </i></span></p> <h3><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>September 8</b></span></h3> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>By god’s blood listen carefully my Lord, I scarce believe this myself except Sir Perseus himself told <s><strike>me</strike></s> us here. Do you remember this one? When were atop the keep. Lancelot. Yes, Sir Lancelot was here and came and went. He talked to Count King Edar and he left, right before they attacked us. They didn’t attack us. Sir Lancelot stopped the secret assault on our walls. We are waiting for his return. </i></span></p> <h3><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>September 29</b></span></h3> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I am Sir Cynfyn, Lord Bannerret of Medlarwod and Bunny, Knight of the Candlebees, sworn man of Count Edar of Leicester. My man Odio here will record this in my true words. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><i>I so swear. –O.</i></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Bless my wife and her Sweet Saint Maria that brought me to health to stand upright by my Lord’s side for this ceremony.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >My sigil is now witness to the restoration of Justice in Logres. Beside my good Lord Sir Edar and good King Arthur Pendagon, our Fount of Justice, I was one of the twenty four to witness this agreement and the restoration of Count Edar’s full rights. No longer King, my lord Edar.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Count Edar of Leicester and Lambor—full holder of his rightful inheritance now, entirely unencumbered by foreigners or injustice. You know Odio, this is that dream of my father’s that is now true. He said “When Raetae is whole, all is well.” Isn’t ancient Raetae just Lambor and Leicester? It’s all now his, all lands and towns and wastes and castle. Prosperity beckons. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >No longer King, is Count Edar. And sweet Jesus Fighting Christ I am glad to have that evil holding of Ireland now away from us forever. I can only hope that it is given to the de Ganis pigs. They deserve it. But who cares. The accursed regalia and its title and curses, they are now in the care of King Arthur. Hey, Odio, think that’s right? It was that damned Irish junk that was a curse? I best so. Write down that I said so. Here write this.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I tell you, I predict, that now that the Irish Talismans are taken from us, all our lives will improve again, and the good King Cou… that our Earl Edar of Leister and Lambor will return us all to plenty where we can just raise our medlars in peace. </span></p> <span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >What? No, I don’t want to mention the interdiction, the blood feud or the pillaged land. What do you think will be left at Medlarwood? Put that away Odio.</span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Ardurr here....</span><br /><br />well... we got back to Leicester in time to be captured by one of King Arthur's patrols, led by.....who else? Sir Bors. The DeGanis men wanted us dead right away, butSir Bors , to his great credit, showed us every courtesy, and he turned us over to King Arthur. Now we sit in a Tower in London awaiting our fates. We are fed well and even allowed to roam the white tower as we have given our words that we will not try to escape. I have had a priest send a message to my Lord Edar and let him know of our fate. He will be most displeased with us I am afraid. What a terrible series of events.Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-62825403405155390072009-05-17T15:44:00.000-07:002009-06-23T06:26:12.208-07:00534, pt II: Leicester Invaded!<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Gede here...</span><br /><br />I knew when Mother had brought to me the chest that was my father's, that she had given her tacit approval of my desires...to offer my service to Edar, Count of Leicester, King of Oriel, Knight of the Round Table, and one of the finest men in all Christendom.<br /><br />For weeks the news reaching Leicester's square has been grim, even as the townspeople's excitement mounted with the return of Leicester's knights from the Continent, armies arriving from Hertford and far-off Trond, and the upset of our neighbor to the south, Lambor.<br /><br />But when Hertford left to defend his own county, and Archbishop Dewey came to town it got ugly. Leicester received word from one of Sir Cynfyn's squires that Bedegraine was on the march and had taken the Medlarwood, pillaging the surrounding lands. Indeed, that Sir Cynfyn had fallen on the field outside Bunny and was lost: another Candlebee flame extinguished. But before the mason's could be summoned to inscribe yet another name on the Pillar of Resistance, Bedegraine was again on the move, and attacked my lord Leicester on the King's Road. Several of Leicester's men were wounded or even killed, though Leicester carried the day.<br /><br />It earned him no respite, for word soon followed that Lincoln had seized Allington, the soul of Leicester and our count's familial manor. The Archbishop chose this sensitive time to arrive in Leicester's hall with Queen Elaine of Garloth in tow. The Archbishop was mighty displeased that Leicester had gone to the Pope in Rome for an annulment instead of going to the head of the British church...Mother says that Christians have always fought Christians, and that this helps keep the religion strong. My mother, my sister, and I only heard the account of his audience second-hand, so I cannot vouch for the truth that Sir Perseus threw the Queen over his shoulder and carried he from the hall and threw her down a latrine...nay, it cannot be so. Though if he had, Leicester's queen would have rewarded him well, as the Archbishop said Leicester must put aside his Queen Valerie as he was still married to Queen Elaine in the eyes of the church. And as Edar would not, the Archbishop excommunicated him, and placed the whole county under interdict. Alas! Even the doors of St Christopher are shut tight.<br /><br />When we heard that an army from down south was marching toward Medbourn, we could only assume it was from King Arthur, come to finish off Leicester...we prayed all night in our little chapel, Mother, Wihtburh and I...and in the morning, Mother took me to the chest, and had me dressed in Father's mail, and handed me Father's spears and sword and let me go to beg my lord Leicester to let me fight for him. My sister, as desirous of action as I, he would not knight, but sent back to the city to serve the Queen. She went, but I could see how hard her face was set in her disappointment.<br /><br />I am told it was not a large battle, as these things are reckoned, though it was to me, and mighty fierce. But my lord Leicester's skill on the battlefield is legendary, and we found many opportunities to advance our forces through the army opposing us. The only one to seriously challenge our progress was a hero, who almost cut down my lord Leicester before I knocked him from his horse and Sir Perseus slew him fighting him on foot. Only after the battle did I learn that this man was a Round Table knight, a foreigner by the name of Sir Sagramore.<br /><br />I was also told that this was not King Arthur's largest army, and even though we destroyed it utterly, he will almost certainly be back with an even greater force, and more heroes to throw at us. But now I am a knight, and a man, and have ridden with a real Candlebee, and fought for my lord Leicester, so I do not care what comes next. My mother is proud of me, and I know that my father, my God bless his soul, would be, too.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Perseus, Candlebee.</span><br /><br />I believe I am marked for death by the British church. Whatever that means.<br /><br />Where do I begin? First, Archbishop Dewey shows up and demands that King Count Edar renounce his marriage to Valerie since the British church never divorced he and Elaine. I don't know, the pope seemed a good enough authority for me. How many different flavors of christianity are there already? They all seem the same to me. I don't like any of them. Anyway, it just seems like a ploy by Arthur to bring Edar down. Right before this Dewey clown starts his excommunication mumbo jumbo, I jump in.<br /><br />Now, I want everyone to be very clear on why I did what I did. I don't care about the church phooey. What I took great offense from was the names archclown Dewey called my Lord's wife, Valerie. People should know that he called her rude, untrue names and also claimed she fornicated with dogs!!! So either he was calling Edar a dog, or saying... how could anyone say such things? If he is an Archbishop, then I want nothing to do with their church. Sadly, the peasants still want in. So, after these insults, something had to be done. In my recklessness, at least I didn't kill him. But I slapped him full across the face. I wager archclown Dewey will never forget me. And yes, their funny version of an nailed god worshippers will now probably try to poison me or kill me in my sleep. heh. They need to wait in line for that. I figure Lancelot or maybe Sir Bors will be the end of me. I am not stupid. They are both skilled powerful knights. I am young yet. Perhaps my passions will see me through, perhaps not.<br /><br />But wait, there is more. 'Queen' Elaine shows up. Last I heard she was out of favor with the High King, but apparently he is not above using her as a cat's paw. She stood in Edar's hall, demanded Edar get rid of his trollop, and started to move towards her old rooms. Edar said she should instead be quarter in more appropriate rooms, so, putting her over my shoulder since she wouldn't obey her supposed still-husband, I took her out and threw her in a horse stall in a stable. She tried to leave, but I wouldn't let her until she said she wanted to leave the whole town. And before she left I said: 'When I threw you in the mud, your outsides finally matched your insides.' To some of you readers, this my sound monstrous, but I assure you, the woman that pillaged her own husbands lands while he was in prison deserved such a statement. Her spirit is dirty. My father hated her, and I see why. She is a spoiled, petulant, evil, stupid woman. Even her own brother the High King was angry with her. So, you can add her to the list of people that hate me and will see me dead. Again, Lancelot is still going to have the first try.<br /><br />The more I see of religion the less I like it. All of this politicking makes me ill.<br /><br />One of Arthur's small forces attacked from the south. We crushed them. Round Table knight Sir Sagramor fell. Too bad, I didn't have anything against him. One more man Arthur has killed needlessly.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the scribe of Sir Cynfyn...</span><br /><p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >For my Lord Cynfyn, Banneret of Leicester, loyal vassal of Count King Edar, Odio the scribe records the doleful events of this summer of 534, that I may read it to him when he is conscious again.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >My lord, you know of the sad winter holidays, and the visit by Sir Tor to urge appeasement, and the plague of grey friars that the good lord Count King Edar himself dispersed with his canny recitation of Scripture. For the record it was Sir Ginagal that you slew, and his brother Sir Ginavan who struck you and left you for dead. We lost all our footmen after that, though half of them have simply run away and not come back. Thank that boy of yours to have dragged you to where we hid at the chapel. I thought you were going and to die, and administered last rites. That cut on your forearm is the mark of Fighting Jesus that you said I must do when you die. I said it would be on your chest, but I dared not touch near to that gaping and sucking wound. Thank your wife for your life, for I swear to FJ that it was her tears upon your bleeding lungs that saved your life. God knows my own skills could not have helped.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Lord Edar arrived with some men, for he was on his way to pay homage to Count Derfel for his lands in Allington. Without you he was nearly slain, but others arrived late and saved him. The army then searched out and drove off the Bedegrainians with many losses, and restored most of the plundered goods to the manor where Hugh has been dividing them fairly among the villains. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >The rest I will write as I hear of events. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>June. </b></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Lord Edar sent the Irish and Danes south to raid Lambor. They have been impatient and causing trouble in the city. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Count King Edar led the army to clear the north east of raiders. They came through Lonazep, but were largely from Malahaut. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Sir Tor returned. He demanded that Lord Edar turn over to him His Grace Uno, who was a traitor and felon, and wanted for justice in the court of King Arthur, who he had rebelled against. His Grace protested that he was a bishop, and could be tried only by Canon Law. Tor said he had instructions to turn him over to Archbishop Dewi. His Grace Uno protested that his overlord was in Rome, not some stinking Welsh wilderness. Finally Lord Edar stopped the bickering and said he would not release Uno, who had been guaranteed safe passage by the word of his man Cynfyn, and he would keep the laws of hospitality which were more ancient than any laws of Britain. Tor left, after calmly warning of great dangers ahead. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>July</b>.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >The city was blessed by a visit from His Grace Archbishop Dewi, whose behavior at Lord Edar’s court was barely better than those grey friar vermin. Is it a Roman rule to be as loud and abusive as possible at court? His Grace denounced Lord Edar as a faithless sinner of Nebuchadnezzar proportions. Arrogant old fool, I’m here and I can attest it is slander! The Waterman accused Lord Edar of bigamy, for he had two wives! Of course Lord Edar refuted this, and reminded everyone of how he and King Arthur had, together in Rome, petitioned the Pope and gotten the ridiculous wedding to Queen Elaine annulled. Dewi said it was worthless, because Edar was of the British Church, and thus he should have come to Dewi for an annulment, but didn’t. Thus, he was still married to the <s><strike>bitch</strike></s> queen, and he demanded that Lord Edar rid himself of his wife Valery. Lord Edar, ever the man of upright honor and candor, as well as the victim of blue-eyed love, refused.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Whereupon His Grace Dewi, Archbishop and ranking authority of the British Church, revealed bell, book and candle and began the ritual of excommunication. Sir Perseus revealed his father’s hot blood and knocked the book down and stepped on the candle, then pushed the venerable archbishop to the floor and drew his sword, yelling so the clerics ran away and left Dewi on the floor. Sir Perseus was restrained and Dewi left, and found refuge in our own abbey, where he completed the ritual. This time Lord Edar and Sir Perseus were excommunicated (ha ha the latter being a Pagan!), and the entire county placed under Interdict. My good lord, know that Fighting Jesus is not subject to the laws of any Church and so we, and all who follow the Fighting Jesus, are safe. But the peasants everywhere are distressed. The doors to churches and abbeys are nailed closed. Dead lie in the street, unburied. Babies will die unbaptised. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >His Grace Ufo offered to convert Lord Edar and all his people to the Roman way, whereupon Edar asked “What does that mean?” Ufo said that they obeyed a higher power than a tee totaling archbishop. “And that is whom?” asked Lord Edar. “Why, the Pope, who has several archbishops as vassals, and each of them the equal of that old heretic,” said Uno. Lord Edar, ever thoughtful, said he would consider it. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >The Danes and Irish staggered back from the south, where a large army had driven them away so they suffered many losses and little booty. Lord Edar moved against them, using his foot men to fight in the woods, saving the knights for encounters in open places. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >While so engaged the Lord Edar received word that beautiful Allington was seized by the tewwible Derfel, claiming disseizure due to Lord Edar’s failure to fulfill his vassalage obligations. Lord Edar, wisely looking to the long term, sadly nodded when he heard the news and turned back to dispatch men to a burning manor. After some difficulty the raiders were driven off before they pillaged too heavily. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>August</b>.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Lord Edar is ever the courteous lord, eager to honor everyone according to his rank. Even against his enemies. Brace yourself, Sir, because this is hard to believe and I’ll be glad when we go to court and hear the truth of it. My sources are good, but… Well, listen.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Queen Elaine herself came to court! Yes, in full pageantry, and demanded audience with Lord Edar, who naturally saw her immediately in his hall. You know how arrogant she is. She called Edar “husband” and demanded he rid himself of “that trollop.” You know the way that only a queen can be when she abuses her position. Valery had to be held back, that savage little barbarian. And one of her whelps too. But no one could hold back Sir Perseus. They say he knocked down her guards and threw the queen over his shoulder and took her out to the court yard and threw her into the corral, the one is always full of horse shit. The Queen left, filthy and weeping, with her entourage screaming and crying and her guards ashamed of themselves. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >That was the end of waiting. In a week we had word of a large army moving towards Medbourne. Lord Edar, ever one for offense rather than weakness, went to defend the land. I am so sorry, my lord, you were still incapable of action. This was the day you took your first meat, Sir, impossible to consider you in combat. It was a large army, mostly from Huntington, but with many from Lincoln and a band of volunteers led by Sir Sagramore, knight of the Round Table. We were outnumbered, but this is out land and the men fought like wolves at bay. It was fierce and we lost six good men, and many more commoners, but Lord Edar led from the front, and with his household guard cut his way through to the camp. Hot-headed Perseus and some youngster slew their leader, Sir Sagramore, previously of Greece and now of Hell. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >The weather worsened, and I pray every day to FJ that you will wake and be well. Your Lady Lizabet is the most dutiful wife, and it pleases my heart to see your increased tenderness towards her. My lord, I will pray now and hope the next time you awake you will be able to sit up on your own. </span></p> <span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >--Odio<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Arddur here...</span><br /><br />Well I followed that fool Ellidyr all the way to London where I ran into minions of that damned De Ganis clan. Just how many uncles, brothers, cousins, and hangers on do they have in that clan? They tried to do me in but I escaped. I was able to find a tavernkeeper and a few other commoners that had seen Ellidyr though. Of course I'm quite a few pennies lighter now as a result. They said that he had an altercation with some De Ganis Knights and fled north east. I followed that trail until I came to a small cottage. It was at this cottage that I found him. To my amazement, he was acting like his old self and was looking much better than he had in a long while. He was even sober. He said he hadn't had a drink in over a week. There was an old woman and her 4 children that lived here. The woman had fallen on hard times and her husband was slain. It seemed that Ellidyr had been aiding her for a week. He was even doing peasant's work, like chopping wood and planting. What the hell. I asked what had happened and no sooner had I asked than I saw the answer come riding up on a beautiful red palfrey. Yes! Bright red, like a rose. The woman on its back was something out of a bedtime fairytale. She was smallish, barely under 5' tall I wager. and she had dark hair and features, and ice blue eyes that could see right through a man and into his very soul it seemed. She greeted me warmly as if I were a long lost friend and Immediately I was charmed by her crooked smile and sparkling eyes.<br /><br />It seemed that Sir Ellidyr had saved her just after leaving London. A group of roving bandit mercenaries had her and her trapped and had waylaid her cart. They were searching it and manhandling the poor lady (whose name I came to find out is Leona) and Ellidyr, drunk and caring little for his own safety charged them. These were hardened mercenaries but Ellidyr was a man possesed I hear, and he killed 3 of the six, and wounded another before they fled. The woman took him to the farmhouse and dressed his wound with magic (so he says), then she talked to him for the next four days and it was during that time that he claims they fell in love. She claims to be a sorcerous and says that her father is a minor baron of Hertford.<br />As I had come upon the scene she was coming to fetch Ellidyr to meet her father and they were to be married at his castle in one week. This seemed like madness to me.<br /><br />I reminded Ellidyr of his oaths to Count Edar, and that Edar had to give him permission to marry, and that a war was at hand and we needed him back. Upon hearing this, Leona agreed. She took us both to her fathers castle and provisioned us as well as gave us better arms and armour, and clothing. She was quite generous. She said that she would allow Ellidyr to go to his Lord and when the war was ended she would come to Leicester with her father and ask Count Edar's permission to marry Ellidyr. She is a woman who knows what honor is and how important is for a man. I truly like the lady. She is remarkable. I could see that Ellidyr did not want to leave but we convinced him to go finally. Now we have stopped at a small abbey. The "Abbey of the sacred thorn" or some such. I hope Lord Edar will not be cross with us and I hope we can reach him in time to be of assistance.Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-79493393967886456162009-04-16T18:37:00.000-07:002009-05-16T19:06:56.719-07:00534: Civil War?<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Quillam here...</span><br /><br />I'm back at St Christopher's now, and right glad to be home. I hear that Count King Idar took the news of Camelot well, as it was relayed by Sir Cynfyn. I heard all this from the man myself, as well as the other Leicester knights, at the feast Sir Perseus threw in honor of his joining the Society of the Candlebees. He certainly proved his reckless and fanatical nature during our journey to France.<br /><br />Father Merle was too ill to attend—rich food and late nights do not sit well with him these days—and sent me with instructions to assure all that he approved of our actions against those fey-tainted de Ganis knights, and that his absence should in no way be taken as a sign of disapproval. That may change, however, as the Archbishop St Dewey came to Leiceister...I missed Perseus setting torch to his apiary as I had to attend His Exaltedness in his audience with Abbot Merle and Count King Idar. The Archbishop threatened to excommunicate the count and everybody in his lands if he did not settle the dispute with King Arthur!<br /><br />I am shocked. I do not know why the Archbishop would take the side of faerie lovers and heretics against a hero of the realm and deeply religious man like Count King Idar. I had much to occupy my thoughts as I patrolled the county on garrison duty, waiting for the storm surely headed our way.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Perseus, Candlebee.</span><br /><br />The calm before the storm is boring. Garrison duty! We should have raided someone! It is clear to me, especially this last year, that fortune favors the bold. Nothing in this life is free, and it is up to we of noble blood to take initiative. My Lord King Count Edar is taking this initiative. One example of this is induction of me into the hallowed ranks of the Candlebees! HUZZAH! The first Candlebees stood against the hordes of invading Saxons, and now I will continue the tradition of stout defense of our homelands. Unfortunate that we will be fighting our own countrymen, but it is their choice to go against the righteous King Count Edar, who has a just claim. If it comes to war, My lord will find none more willing than I to fight and die for his cause. We Leicestermen will not be broken!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >Edar Speaks…</span><br /><br />So many new faces are gathered. I bid all of you welcome to Leicester. Never before have I had the honor of hosting so great a collection of friends from so far away. Though it seems all of you have heard of me, I will take a moment to make introductions that you may know the great company we share…<br /><br />Newly arrived from Trond, I welcome King Valliant and his men. When my beloved Valerie and I were wed I told my brother-in-law that I would look forward to the time when I could host him in my hall and show him the love and courtesy he showed me as a guest in his. Although these are not the happy circumstances I spoke of, it does my heart good for him to be here, and I can see that Valerie is delights. The warriors you brought on your ships do you honor sir, and I expect that the site of your vessels on the Humber shook Count Dyrfel wonder if massing troops in Lincoln was wise.<br /><br />As ambassadors from King Claudus of France, Sir Caldemar and the Bishop of Troyes are most welcome in my home. I have been assured of the King’s friendship and his offers to help resist the injustice we face is most welcome. I am certain that if King Arthur were aware of the nobility of these men, he would realize that surely the DeGanis lost their holdings to a people who are striving to live up to the highest ideals. That they do this after having to fight through the poisoners and hooligans of the DeGanis clan is testimony to their virtue.<br /><br />Also from the continent, I am pleased to present Uno. If this man looks familiar to you, he should. His father was Duke Ulfius of Silchester. While the Duke and I were not close, he was a loyal servant to both King Uther and King Arthur. He earned pledges of loyalty from these kings, and yet when he passed, King Arthur would not confirm title on his sons. It is very regrettable. As a knight of the round table, I did not consider that Arthur was finding a convenient way to escape his word. I was among the voices that called for justice to be done to the sons of Ulfius. Now I understand that justice is what was lacking. Should I have the opportunity, I will see Silchester restored to its rightful lords.<br /><br />From Ireland we have Sir Aidan, son of King Anguish. I have had the privilege of hosting this knight in my house, and have accepted him as a vassal. As further proof of friendship between our peoples, one of my knights recently stood to champion Anguish against charges leveled by the DeGanis. You may have heard of the brawl that ensued in Camelot. I have heard it from my own men that the fighting was started when young Perseus asked that the DeGanis blade be checked for poison. You may think this a rash request, and one that impugns the dignity of a knight. Indeed, when first I heard it, I was shocked. Then evidence was presented that Sir Cynfyn was nearly poisoned by a DeGanis man in France. If they would act to do this in a foreign court, then the request is only reasonable. I am certain that had the High King been present for the “trial” of an ally such as King Anguish, this would not be a problem, for I doubt the DeGanis would act this way before the king. But the king was away dealing with business in the north. While I am certain his business was important, once again an ally of the High King must be sacrificed and face insult from the DeGanis clan. I am pleased to say that the last word I have of King Anguish is that he is returned to Ireland safely. I trust his friendship, and I am certain that if needed he will act to protect Oriel and its people.<br /><br />From Hertford, my eldest daughter’s husband Randolph, heir to Hertford is here. There are few places outside Leicester that have made me so welcome as Hertford. Randolph and his knights are here to assist us though their own lands are threatened by Arthur’s vassal in Anglia. I have learned that just this year your younger brother repelled an incursion by Sir Hervis. The reports say he led his men through the enemy lines and none were able to resist his advance. You are most welcome in my hall. You honor me with your friendship. Along with his knights he has brought his son Gwyn – my grandson – to fight at his side. Gwyn travelled with my knights to France, and earned recognition on the field.<br /><br />The Lord of Lonazep has been unable to join us, but his son, my second daughter’s husband is here with a detachment of knights to serve on our behalf. You are most welcome.<br /><br />It saddens me that Bedegraine declined to join us. Rumor has it of troops massing there, but he is family through my third daughter – I doubt he will attack us unless he has no choice.<br /><br />Lastly, it is my honor to present to this assembled host the Candlebees of Leicester – Sir Cynfyn, knight of the Medlar, and Sir Perseus of Medbourne. Sir Cynfyn is one of the finest knights in Leicester, noted for his loyalty and cleverness. Sir Perseus is the newest of the Candlebees, and the son of the late Sir Bledri. Already this young man has begun the path to greatness, slaying a troll in tournament!<br /><br />I have made no secret of Sir Gawaine’s visit to Leicester. He has asked me to attend Arthur in Camelot. I have expressed my regrets that I cannot go. When I was a young man I suffered imprisonment and shame for my service to the Pendragon. Although I was released, that stain on my name remained for years. I re-entered the service of the new Pendragon with assurances of justice and recognition of my claim. I even received writ and charter showing my rights. Do you see Father Merle over there? He is seated with Sir Quillam. The venerable father is abbot of St. Guinifort in Leicester and they have reviewed the charter. None doubt its accuracy, but if you would look on it, speak to the abbot.<br /><br />Some of you may have heard a rumor that the High King has dispatched the Archbishop Dewey to speak with me. It is true. He threatened me with excommunication if I did not return to Arthur. I told him that I would not betray my honor as a young man when I was threatened by the last Archbishop, and that he did not frighten me. I am concerned that the High King, unable to cajole me into his camp, unable to bribe me, and seeing I am willing to stand by my principles and that my friends will stand with me, has instead turned to the clergy. He knows from my past that I do not fear to die in for a just cause, so instead he would threaten my soul with eternal damnation. I remember well the High King’s response to such a threat when the Pope of Rome made it – if you look to the tapestry to my left, it once hung in one of the great halls of Rome. I am not proud and will not ride to Camelot with an army behind me to answer the charge, but I will not shrink from the threat.<br /><br />As the masses of footman gather around the county I promise you all this. Nothing would sadden me more than to go into conflict with Arthur and his knights. Nothing except breaking my oath and compromising my honor. Go into any of the lands of Leicester and ask the people there what they think of Count Edar. They will all tell you that above all, I am a just man. All I ask of others is that they are just as well. If Arthur and I can be resolved to a just agreement, then all will be well. If not, we shall have to place our faith in god and trust that justice will prevail.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Arddur hastily reporting! </span><br /><br />I can not talk long for I am in a hurry. I left my Count a message by way of Sir Henry knighton, and when he finds out what I am doing he will be Wroth with me. Sir Ellidyr, my brother in arms has dissapeard. After questioning father Merle, and some other people about what he has been doing and saying lately I have put the pieces together. He is carrying some type of Guilt for something that he had done in Ireland, and has carried it for quite a time now. That I know. But what has me panicked is that he talked to Merle about making amends for it! And The old Coot agreed that he should amend his ways but left it up to ELLIDYR about how best to do that! SOOOO....What does that damned fool Eliddyr tell his sister that he is planning, that has her running to find me? He is going to find his Best friend Amadis no matter where he is, and then with Amadis they are going to then go find Lancelot and either convince him to bring peace between the De Ganis clan and our Count...Or if that wont work....To Murder Lancelot and thus fully cripple the De Ganis Line!!!!! AAAUUGGHH!!! What a fool.<br /><br />I spread a bit of Denarri around a few monthes ago to try and gain word on where Sir Amadis went, and all I could come up with is that he took a ship to the continent. That much is known reliably. I can also say that I doubt he was in France or Brittany because the recent voyage there by some leicestermen would probably have spotted him(Amadis is not really one for laying low, he just can't help himself)....So where then, is he? Elidyr has a two day start on me and he knows that Amadis is on the continent somewhere as well. So All I have to do now is try to figure out which port he will go to to find a ship. Edar will be angry to find me gone since war is looming and his war councils are being held. I must find that damned fool Ellidyr quickly! What a twit.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Amadis reports in...</span><br /><br />This King Theudis is an interesting man, perhaps next to Idar, the most interesting man in the world…his court is made up of men from much of Spain and parts of Africa, Italy, and France, too. They flock to his banner because of his crusade to repulse the hated Franks, but they stay because he is a man’s man, and much loved by his knights and sergeants. He is well-born, but not of a noble family. True! He ascended to the Visigothic throne on the desires of the people for a proven warlord. Because he is of the people, his justice is renown, and men commoners and nobles alike accept his judgements as fair. Riding with his court, though, I have seen nobles who do not appreciate is blunt honesty. But those are the men who prefer empty flattery to substance, so I care not a whit for the perceived slights to their honor. The king is also no carouser as are so many of King Arthur’s knights of the Round Table…the men say it is because of the trouble brought on Spain by Queen Chrotilda that Theudis keeps his hands to himself. Nor does he drink much. Yet his court is full of good cheer, as the Spanish are marvelous cooks and entertainers, placing great emphasis on the well-being of their stomachs, and delighting in vigorous song and dance.<br /><br />But the king and his men—myself and my band among them—did not spend the summer at court, but rather on the campaign trail, working our way north with the Franks retreating before us, fighting us each step of the way. In the land of the Vascones we met Clothar’s Frankish army on the banks of the Arga. A tough fight, but we took Pompey’s city back from the Franks thanks to a last-ditch effort: a company of Bungundian knights accompanied by crossbowmen was pushing into our camp when the squires and wounded men opened the corrals and ran the army’s cattle into the Frankish troops. It was marvelously chaotic as the bulls ran through the town, trampling men unlucky enough to be in their path. That broke their charge and we regained the day.<br /><br />King Theudic next wanted to retake Salduva, a fortified city on the road to Bordeaux. We were unable to take it by storm and so settled in for a siege. A very boring affair, especially as we were reduced to eating mutton and goat. But my comrades, those of my wife’s cousin’s who rode out with me, have divers ways of preparing goat, making it a very delicious meal. They travel very light and fast, and in a battle prefer not to engage in direct combat as I am used to, but prefer to throw javelins and then dash out of harm’s way on their speedy mounts. (However, they do make sure to bring sufficient pans and spices. Strange but practical.)<br /><br />After three weeks of siege-work, the king called me to his tent. I went with three of my cousins. I was surprised to see a Dane in the king’s tent, and even more surprised to hear from Theudic that the man was a messenger from Queen Valerie of Leicester! He told me that King Arthur’s jealousy of Edar had reached new heights, and that the king was moving to disenfranchise good Count King Edar of his lands and rights. Fie!<br /><br />King Theudic of course had heard of Count King Edar, and I had told him firsthand of my lord’s extreme prowess and generosity, and though he was sad to give me leave, he did. The Danish messenger followed me back to my campfire, and I told my cousin’s what was up. We decided to pack up then and there and ride back to the coast and take ship for the green hills of Leicester.<br /><br />It will be a long journey, but if Edar has a need I must answer the call.Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-90307924008503217802009-04-10T13:22:00.000-07:002009-05-04T19:05:31.035-07:00533: Dischord at Camelot, part IIQuotes! We need quotes:<br /><br />"A rouncy? Paint it black and white and have a zebra feast!"<br /><br />"Eleven? 11 Honor? Aren't you one point from being disbarred or something?"<br /><br />"These things happen."<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sir Quillam here...</span><br /><br />I will leave it to the better knights to describe the whirlwind of court life in Paris, which we experience first-hand on the occasion of the marriage of Queen Guenevere's cousin Lisabet to the Frankish prince. I will say that I am uncomfortable around such glitz, and spent much of my time reading the Good Book and exploring the lovely churches on the isle of the city.<br /><br />I will also say that Sir Gwalchmai of the Round Table is a fearsome opponent.<br /><br />We returned to Britain accompanied by Sir Caldimar the Bold, a relative of the Frankish king, and the Archbishop of Troyes. Both men will meet with King Count Idar once we reach Leicester, as will Sir Uno, a priestly man and son of Sir Ulfius....I know! Yet I say we experienced nothing but comraderie and respect on the Continent from both the sons of Ulfius and the Frankish court. And then on our road to Camelot we picked up a traveler lately from Ireland, a Sir Tristram of Cornwall, a pleasant fellow and of good company and cheer.<br /><br />Upon reaching Camelot, we heard and saw that Sir Aidan's father, King Anguish, was being held on charges of orchestrating the killing of Sir Hugh de Ganis. King Arthur and many of his knights were up north attending to some matter of state, and the de Ganis knights hanging about had convinced King Uriens and King xxx to hold a trial in Arthur's absence. Yet King Anguish had no champion, since Sir Marhaus, Sir Aidan's uncle, was recently deceased—at the hands of our excellent travelling companion, Sir Tristram! Yet Sir Tristram, seeing the distress in which King Anguish found himself, stepped forward as his champion. At that point, in a pique of womanly rage, Sir Marhaus's sister, the queen, stabbed Sir Tristram. I expediently rendered first aid, but the wound, the blade, was poisoned, and Sir Tristram out of contention.<br /><br />So brave Sir Perseus stepped forward. Oh reckless youth! Seeing what was most likely the end of his companion's life, Sir Gwalchmai stepped forward to reason with the de Ganis knights, asking for a suspension of the trail until the return of King Arthur, surely the best man other that King Count Idar to judge such a matter. But Bleoberis would not hear of it, and began clamoring for the trial to start NOW. And to insure it did start he drew his sword and advanced toward young Sir Perseus.<br /><br />Now, I do not think it was entirely the sight of Bleoberis moving to strike Perseus untimely that set us off...but we Leistermen, unarmored though we were, all drew weapons and leapt to Perseus's defense. It was only a short step from defense to utter mayhem as all the de Ganis mob, the Irish throng, the Leistermen, and sundry all drew and began hacking away at each other. By the time it was broken up, Bleoberis, Blamore, and Ector de Maris and several other de Ganis cousins were dead, and Sir Cynfyn majorly wounded. Sir Kay the Steward looked over the carnage under the Justice Tree and quietly told us to leave, though I believe they kept Sir Gwalchmai at Camelot for killing Bleoberis, a fellow Round Table knight.<br /><br />And even though Cynfyn was in pain from his wound, he was cheerful thinking how pleased King Count Idar would be that we had resolved the problem between him and King Arthur.<br /><br />I think that Lancelot fellow might have something to say about that, when he learns what happened.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sir Perseus the Bold:</span><br /><br />Where do I begin? We all survived the melee at the tournament in Paris. I think Gwalchmai accidently killed a few of his opponents, but we were okay. He had the honor of leading our side, deffered to him out of respect by the gracious Stephen of the Blue Fountain, a very couteous knight. I pity the poor knights who faced Gwalchmai in combat, even for love. most came away wounded, and some came away dead. Anyway, Ufo was declared the winner of the tournament, even though anyone with eyes could see Gwalchmai would send him over the cruppers every pass. But, in retrospect, perhaps it was best that way, since there was already a great deal of bad blood from the slain knights. There were challenges after the melee!<br /><br />A young warrior, (I hesitate to call him a knight), challenged Sir Cynfyn. Cynfyn bested him without being hit. And a good thing too! the young rascal's blade was poisoned!!! Found on his neck was a pendant bearing the device of the DeGannis Clan!!! Oh, how I hate them! They are causing so much trouble. Once turned over to the King of France, his short future will now include terrible torture.<br /><br />Also challenged, not surprisingly, was Gwalchmai. One famous knight attempted to revenge his fallen brother. The outcome was never in question as he joined his brother in death at the hands of Gwalchmai. Sad.<br /><br />In a private dinner with The King of France and Ufo, several offers of assistance were made to Our Lord King Edar should the situation go ill with King Arthur. I hope it will not come battle. Having seen Gwalchmai in action, I shudder to think he would be on Arthur's side against us. None of this would be happening if the de Gannis knights weren't taking advantage of Arthur's good nature.<br /><br />So, back in Britain, we come across a disgusted Sir Ector walking away from his defeat by Sir Tristan, a knight from Cornwall. We all tilt with him one by one, and he defeats us all. Except for Gwalchmai. He says he is going to Camelot where King Anguish is, so that he might gain his favor for the hand of his daughter, Isolde. When we arrive however, King Anguish is held prisoner! The loathesome de Gannis knights have accused him of some dastardly thing that is not even worth mentioning since it is a lie. Tristan agrees to champion Anguish against the de Gannis champion. But Anguish's own wife, the Queen, rushes out of the crowd and strikes Tristan with a poisoned dagger! Why would she do such a thing! Insanity! Poor Tristan, having just recovered from being poisoned my Sir Marhaus, whom he then slew, just to be poisoned again by the wife of the man he is trying to save. These Irish, I tell you... nuts.<br /><br />So, now Anguish needs a champion. Gwalchmai can't do it since the champion for de Gannis is a Round Table Knight. Cynyn won't do it because he hates the Irish. So there it was. My chance! I hate the de Gannis. And you know what makes it ever sweeter? They were raised by the fey!!! I hate the fey!!!<br /><br />As I faced my foe Cynfyn spoke my mind and demanded this fight be stopped unless the de Gannis knight's sword is checked for poison, a reasonable request considering recent events. They went crazy with indignation. So on one side we have a whole mess of de Gannis knights with blades drawn, and on the other we have the Leicestermen and our allies, ready to jump in and cover my back should the enemy stoop to nefarious measures. Well, they charged. WE charged. Gwalchmai, with a veteran calm, attempted to keep order. Cynfyn, Quillam and I cut down their Champion, then turned to other foes. I didn't see what happened after, since I was up to my shoulder in de Gannis blood. In the end we had three Round Table knights dead, including Bleoberis and Sir Ector, whom I slew. He was not quite dead when he fell, so I helped him complete his journey to the other side. In retrospect this was a dishonourable move, but he had it coming and I don't regret it. The de Gannis clan is full of lies and deceit. And let me tell you my friend, when your blood is pumping and enemies are all around with swords drawn, you make sure the ones who fall can't get up and stab you in the back, a move I;m certain is in the reperatoire of the de Gannis scum. It was the decision of but a moment, and I don't regret it. One less rat. Oh and on a side note, Anguish went free.<br /><br />It should also be mentioned that King Arthur was not present for all of this. He is in the North on some tomfoolery. Present were two Kings of the Norht, who did not really do anything. Not very noble bearing at all. Sir Kay eventually showed up and told us to go home till we are summoned by the King to sort this thing out. I fear though that when we arrive home, we will find our kinsmen ready for war, and that the next time we see King Arthur will be on the field of battle.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sir Amadis here...</span><br /><br />Although I miss the green hills of Leicester terribly, I feel myself being caught up in the excitement of a new-made king's court. Theudic has only been king for a year, and the first anniversary of his victory over the French for repossession of his Spanish lands has yet to pass. The king is in the prime of his manhood and surrounded by strong, eager knights, all filled with the light of their noble purpose (that is, to regain their country from those well-coiffed Franks). It reminds me of the stories the Old Man told from the Resistance times, when the Saxons over-ran the old Duchy of Lindsay and my lord King Edar was on the run with his brave band of men...<br /><br />And as King Edar made himself a new capital at Leicester-town (and even King Arthur at Camelot), so King Theudis wants to make the city of Barcelona his capital, forsaking the old king's seat in Narbonne. The court moved during the winter months, when the lower temperatures make heavy work more pleasant.<br /><br />But while the state was topsy-turvy, word came from the south of Spain to court. The messengers told King Theudis that the Zazamancs were (again) restless, and this time they had the aid of the Byzantines of all people, and that the governor was requesting the king's aid in retaining the fortress of Ceuta. The king has his eye to the north, though, and left it to his men in Tarifa to safeguard the Straits. Shortly after he began plans to take his army north, though he will not say where we are to go.<br /><br />The excitement is palpable.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">I am Sir Cynfyn, Lord Bannerret of Medlarwod and Bunny, Knight of the Candlebees, sworn man of Count King Edar of Leicester. My man Odio here will record this. </span> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>I do swear.—O</i></span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">We brought the good maiden to Paris without incident. Some of the Round Table knights shunned us, having expected my good Lord Count King Edar to accompany them. Sir Gawaine was his usual convivial self, and Sir Gwalchmai was our friend, as always. The only questionable part of the escort was Sir Aiden, the Irish prince. He is seeking a wife of means and family, but of course no one of sense would willingly graft an Irish limb onto a noble tree. He seemed to vent his eagerness upon our ward, but after I realized he was simply practicing that romance prattle, I tired to watching him. He is not of my party, and was named by King Arthur to his task. I’ve enough to worry about without also spying on an Irish knight and the queen’s cousin.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Paris is a ratty town, like London, but smaller and filthier. They hung tired old banners from the balconies and threw limp flowers upon the street before us. I’ve never seen such a collection of filthy, drunken men and debauched old whores as those who showed up to cheer us. Oh wait, yes I did. In Rome. Odio, did you know there’s an order of prostitute nuns in Rome that are dedicated to Saint Jezebel! Sir Lucius practically moved in there.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Ah, Sir Lucius, I’ll remember you well. He was that whore mongering lawyerly knight, who spent the time in Trond with Count King Edar in exile. No more, though. He was murdered in Paris—hung from a street sign one night. That caused some discomfort with King Claudas. It would do poorly to have such an offense mar the wedding between the two kingdoms. Promises were made, investigations were begun and I several times heard the screams of the criminals being interrogated. Personally, I figured that the old horn dog had bonked the wrong girl, but no one cared for my opinion, and Sir Gawaine seemed amused by the king’s distress. The wedding was completed, and we retired outside of the foul city to a grand tournament.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">King Claudas is an ugly man, and despite all their élan, his men are slouches. The French are a backward people—hardly more than barbarians if you ask me—but one thing they did well was that tournament! It was a gala affair, with knights from all over the French lands and some from beyond. Thousands, I say. A glorious spectacle of chivalry from across the continent. Of course, none of them shone as we did, the original knights.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">I was shocked when they declared that the jousting would be done for the horse and arms of each participant. Of course we participated, for the Honor of Leicester. What? Oh yes, and of Britain. I put aside Thunder, for I didn’t want to lose the biggest horse in all Britain for sport. I bested seven knights in all before falling to one greater than myself, a Sir Sigbert of Frankfurt, a subject of the French King. Sir Gwalchmi the Round Table knight won the joust, and in passing killed four and maimed six others. Wonderful sport. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">For the melee we chose to be on the lesser side, that of Bretagne and some other western lands. The French knights are poor fighters, as I said, for we pushed forward with vigor until the Bretagne knights gave way and let the enemy into the camp. We never did that, though hard pressed. We fought under sir Gwalchmi.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">I would have been done, but a stranger pressed me for a challenge, a fight unto death. I didn’t know the man, and after he insulted me and my lord, I took it up. He did not last long, and though he had challenged me to the Death I spared him. When they found his blade smeared with poison, the French heralds were ready to hang the stranger. He was searched, and tokens of the de Ganis house were found, and confessed to being one of them. Some urged me to kill him, as was my right, but I still did not. I turned him over to the King Claudas instead, to deal with as he sees fit in his land.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">All us nobles were generously gifted by the king upon our departure. My Lady Lizabet and my men will all wear French silk to the Christmas Court this year. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Accompanying us back to Leicester were two diplomats from King Claudas, Sir Caldemar the Bold, and the Bishop of Troyes; and a priest from the Count of Tours, named Uno, who is the son of a famous British Duke Ulfius, who served under Kings Uther and Arthur. They wished to speak to my lord Count King Edar, and I have sworn safe passage for them. With their entourage, our return party is much larger than before, and so we return to Britain.</span></p> <h2> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><b>Now, those Damned Foreigners</b></span></h2> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">I know now what is wrong with the King. It’s the foreigners—the de Ganis. They have done nothing but harm to Count Edar since they came here and poisoned the ears of our king. That’s what His Grapes Uno told me, anyway, before he stopped talking to me. Odio, what was that about anyway? He’s a bishop, a holy man and all like you, but he goes into battle in armor with lance and mace. Everyone knows that. So what did he say about Fightin’ Jesus again? Aunty Ma? What?</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>I do my best. –O </i></span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Pfh, he’s got balls. If His Grapes gives me that crap again we’ll see whose Jesus is tougher.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>My Lord is amused.</i></span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">See, it began when King Arthur was at Badon and the foreigners needed his help. Our king had said he would help them, because they helped him. But he didn’t, and so all of the lands of Ganis were conquered by that French King Claudas. And instead of staying to free their own lands then instead they all came here because our King Arthur is generous, and they said his Honor would be besmirched if he didn’t correct the error of his broken oath, see, the one that was when he didn’t help them. So now they are all at court when good men like Count King Edar are all at home doing what British lords are supposed to do, like keeping the land safe and rewarding his own good men. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">See, that’s what was wrong there, with Sir Tristram. What right did those foreign kings have to be sitting under our Tree of Justice passing judgment on an Irish king for something that happened over in Ireland? Bullies, court bullies they are, all of the grasping and greedy and pushing everyone around because they have the king’s ear. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>He is amused again.</i></span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">But a few less of them to whisper now, eh Odio? Well, the king’s problem is over now anyway. This whole thing was because that Blamore convinced King Arthur to give him our Count King Edar’s lands for whatever cursed reason he gave. Now that Blamore is dead then that’s over, I would think. No more problem. I don’t think he has any heirs, since we killed his two brothers too. They were his brothers Odio, right?</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Oh, brother and cousin then. They sure chose the wrong party to bully that day though. Poisoners, they are, all of them. First with that assassin in Paris, then with this attack. And you know they had poison on the blade, or else they wouldn’t have complained so loudly, you know. Fools. Attacking us, now three of them dead, and how many of their supporters? Only fourteen dead? I thought it was more. Fourteen then, and three that matter. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Now there’s only two of those bloodsuckers left, Sir Bors and Sir Lancelot. What? Lionel? A little rat—I meant important bloodsuckers. I’m confident that King Arthur will banish them all after he sees the crimes they and their men have done. Let us hope this little fight ends the trouble between our king and King Arthur. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Oh, and King Leinster is my witness, I struck Sir Blamore a fair wound when he attacked us, and I was attempting to bandage him when his vile brother struck me from behind. We were attacked, unprovoked, and defended ourselves. He swore that, did he not? Good. And the French bishop, too? Good then, I will rest again. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>He sleeps. Lord FJ protect me from wounds like those. </i></span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>Sir Blamore de Ganis, Blioberis de Ganis and Ector de Maris were killed at the Duel of the Oak. Sir Gwalchmi is under house arrest for his part, for they say he killed another Round Table knight. My lord praised our knights greatly for their parts in this. We are hoping that King Anguish’s word will exonerate us. My lord expects to be back on his feet in a month or two, “in time for the war,” he told me. </i></span></p>Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-67875186211088385372009-04-05T11:02:00.001-07:002009-05-04T19:02:49.189-07:00533: Dischord at CamelotSir Perseus of Leicester:<br /><br />My first task as a knight! We knights of King Edar are to escort a maiden of Queen Guenevere's court. At the feast where we received this order, I was in rare form. Many people I have seen, thanks in great part to my father's glory. I was able to attend many functions with him when I was a child. Remembering all of my courtesy, I greeted and recognized EVERYONE at court! Briton seems very much smaller than I recall. Even the pages and handmaidens I recognized. I'm sure father would have been proud. We spoke with High King Arthur about Edar's claim to lands north and south of Leicester, namely Lincoln and Lambor. The King was reminded of his oath to Edar on several occasions to confirm Edar's rightful claim. But, it seems the King's broken word to the Aquitainians is more important. It seems the King will try to mend one broken oath by breaking another. Not a very noble thing to do, if you ask me. Still, being King must be difficult. No matter what he decides, someone will be pissed off. Derfyl, or this new Count Bedigraine, or Edar. Edar made a wise suggestion that he be made Duke of these disputed lands, and that way everyone keeps what they have, and the strongest and most glorious among them, (Edar), takes the rightful position of rule. We will see.<br /><br />As we rode south through Lambor on our way out of that land, we were confronted by several knights entering. Round Table Knights! There was Sir Lionel, and Sir Bors, and another knight whom I fought but just fumbled my awareness of his name. Anyway, to my shame, I was defeated on each pass. At least I lost to a Round Table Knight. This Sir Lionel made rude noises about my Lord King Edar, then knocked Sir Lucius off his horse when confronted. Sir Cynfyn and all us Leicestermen took immediate offense and a melee ensued. Cynfyn got the better of everyone, wounding terribly Sir Lionel. The fight was broken up when Sir Bedigraine road through. I think many grudges were made that day. These de Ganis knights are going to be trouble, I think.<br /><br /> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">I am Sir Cynfyn, Lord Bannerret of Medlarwod and Bunny, Knight of the Candlebees, and Odio here will record this. <i>I swear it.--O</i></span> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Our old friend Sir Gwalchmi came in late winter, bearing word from King Arthur for King Edar. Our lord was summoned to come early to the High King’s Whitsun court. We set off at the end of April, in a cold rain and raging rivers. We traveled by the King’s Road and got late to Lambor in two days. The steward, a new fellow there, seemed nervous. The next several days were clear and brisk, and the roads were crowded as always. No events delayed us—it is the King’s Road after all—until south of Kinetown. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">A procession of knights approached from the south. As we were travelling south the commoners were already clearing the road. They all bore the arms of Aquitaine, notably many of the de Ganis clan. King Edar hailed them as fellow Round Table knights—three of them, Sirs Lionel, Blioberis and Bors. I heard, indeed, we all heard, Sir Lionel slander our own good king and of course I will never allow the honor of my King Edar to be shamed so I rode up and challenged the dog, “to joust” I said and rode off to gain distance. He took his spear and we each broke lances. When rearming Jerry found a lance head in my shield, where I had used a harmless jousting lance! I saw that others of us were also fighting, so took my best spear and charged against his attack. Round Table he might be, but this knight dashed him down, and then his brother Blioberis too, dogs both of them. I was prepared to knock them all down, but the fighting was over. Gwalchmi had broken one of them in two—I doubt nothing now of that dragon story! Another even greater procession came about the bend flying the banners of Marshall Sir Griflet and High Butler Sir Bedivere among dozens of knights. Fighting stopped. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Sir Bors apologized for the high spirits of his men, and while the many dead and wounded were borne off, slipped away. Sir Bedivere explained that they were going to Lambor to invest Sir Blioberis with the title and rights of earl to Lambor. King Edar showed nothing when this as said. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">King Edar wasn’t silent on the ride though. We discussed the insult that King Arthur had given to him by bestowing promised lands onto a court favorite. Countess Valery said she wanted to return home immediately. King Edar has patience as great as his sword skill, though, and great faith in the sovereign. We reached Camelot in mid March, and after a few days of welcome and feasting our lord was taken, with a few key advisors, to the king, in his bedroom. I do not know how it is done, but the room was actually warm, though there was ice outside. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">King Arthur told us he needed an escort for his niece to Paris, who was to marry into the family of King Claudas. He wanted King Edar to go, who balked, and finally King Arthur asked what was troubling our lord and so he brought up the matter that the High King had violated his oath by giving away the lands he had promised to Count Edar at his coronation, and swore again at his wedding. Our good king explained that he owed many favors to the de Ganis, and tried using argument, flattery, appeals to past friendship and every other diplomatic art short of threat and coercion. King Edar, ever in the right, parried each argument and came back to Justice each time. At last the king, admitting nothing, said he would make a final judgment on this next autumn. As an act of generosity the high king gave King Edar a great treasure to repair his castles. Our lord assured him that this would be done. </span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">All of us of Leicester are shocked at King Arthur’s arrogance, and many bold and foolish words were said at first, until King Edar silenced them. He bestowed upon me leadership of the escort to France while he would go home to Leicester and repair fortifications, as ordered. He’ll confer with his wide-flung family and friends, hire some armorers and fletchers, and stuff the castles with provisions.</span><br /><br /><br />Sir Amadis here...<br /><br />A very interesting country, this land of Carthaginiensis. They have many strange and divers customs, one of which they call the <span style="font-style: italic;">siesta</span>, whereby each family retires for several hours after their dinner. I found it odd at first, but with the great heat of the day I find it enjoyable to take my ease and wait for the cooler evening hours. Both the low- and high-born take this siesta, and also keep hours late into the night—on all nights, not just feasts or holy days.<br /><br />And in the afternoons, thus refreshed, the <span style="font-style: italic;">caballeros</span>—that is, the knightly class—entertain themselves by fighting dangerous animals. At first I was amazed to see these men engage with beasts whilst on foot, but they persuaded me to try it, and it was quite fun. Because I prefer to fight with my spear, in the style of Leicester, they call me the Pickador, Amadees El Pickador. As we waited for King Theudis to return to Toledo, they tried me on successively larger and larger bulls. Finally I went into the village ring with a great brute of brindle bull. This was an older animal, and clever too, and managed to slip the tip of a horn into my flesh and ripping upward. Ooh, that hurt! I went over the top of his head, sliding off his neck and hitting the dirt before I managed to stand up and thrust at him with my bloodied spear. That did him in, and I sank to the ground, just about done in.<br /><br />A month or so later I was well enough to ride with my new cousins to Toledo, where I was introduced to the king, who has asked me to join his household. As charming as the seaside life is in little Gilet, I accepted. Seven of my cousins will join me in Theudic’s household, and in a few week’s time we march to meet the French in the north of Spain.Boneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002385549246608134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-16303321251469426752009-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:002009-05-04T19:04:02.835-07:00532:part2; The Tower of Spite<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Sir Arddur sadly reporting:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >After my companions and I left Camelot and journeyed to Leicester, Prince Aedan recieved some type of message from an errant knight. He did not say what the message held, but immediately said he regretted that he would not be able to accompany me upon the quest for my son. As Aedon was leaving we noticed nearby, a knight that then eagerly came up to us and said that as a man of Leicester he would be happy to accompany us. His name, he said was Sir Quillam. Ahh I remembered the young man now. He has but lately been knighted, but if is heart was so stout then.... We welcomed his aid and we were off with our guide Sir Emelyn. He led us all the way to Carduel in Cambenet. And then to the forest of Inglewood. Cynfyn sent father Odio back to Carduel with one of his squires for company after he heard how treacherous the forest and mountains were. After a grueling time spent wandering aimlessly( Sir Emelyn left us at the forests edge!, even though Sir Bledri gave him a good tongue lashing. ) We finally came upon........ Peasants!!!!! We thought them bandits so Cynfyn immediately skewered one with his crossbow(seriously though, why were they skulking in the underbrush and hedges?). We gathered the two men up and we went to their village. We had to send a peasant search party out for Sir Gherrin, as he had lost himself in pursit of a peasant earlier. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >The whole time we were at this dilapitated peasant village full of 3 walled hovels, we were miserable. These people had so little food that many of my companions felt it prudent to share some of their own rations with these dirty commoners lest they immediately faint from malnutrition. Cynfyn was especially gracious. The peasants Then said that the reason for their desolation was a beast. They could not describe it for it came in the night always, but it had eaten chickens by the score and whole oxen at a time, as well as knocked holes in buildings to get at small sheep which it devoured by the dozen!!!!!!! WOW! So now we were excited! Leicestermen HO!!!!!!!!!!!! Hazzah!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >So we corraled our horses and set out the hunting dogs as bait/ a warning. Then a watch was set. Sometime after midnight I heard the dogs begin to whimper and pull away, and I knew the beast was coming. I awoke the others and then before they could even wipe the sleep from their eyes I saw it. Four hovels down and behind one. It seemed as big as a horse. So in the typical leicester way I charged. My companions bid me to wait for them but glory waits for no man!!!!!! So i set upon the beast and to my very great surprise it was quite a bit larger than a horse. I had heard Sir Priamus of Alexandria once tell the story of an Olyphant, and from the way he described it this beast was roughly the same size. It's legs were a little taller than the turf roof of the hovel! Not knowing what it was yet, and seeing only a snapping maw I struck and felt my battle axe bite deeply. It .... Yelped!..... Hmmm... But soon my companions had taken my example and thrown caution to the wind. They began hewing at the dastardly thing and soon, the beast was slain. I am not even certain weather one of us was touched by it. But we grabbed torches and we the went to see what we had slain. It was a .... HUGE FOX? So it was. An Hovel-sized fox. This forest wasnt cursed... it was tragically silly! We had a quick laugh, and Gherrin insisted on making a necklace out of one of the beasts 10-inch long canine teeth. CynFyn in his usual style declared that the tail would be fine for him as he would make it into a helmet plume. Or perhaps a Lance cozy. The tail is after all, about 10 feet long or so. But it will certainly distinguish our good friend on the field of battle. After the melee we noticed that Sir Bledri was no where to be seen and as we spoke of it, we all agreed that indeed , no one could say that he had battled the creature with us.......And then we all shook our heads ruefully and cursed our selfishness. Bledri had stayed behind with the mounts and performed the meager duties of a squire( as ours had no doubt run away at the sight of the beast) and he gad given all of us the honor and Glory to share. What a prince among men!!!!!! So we had the huntsman skin the creature and preserve the hide, then later we presented our generous companion with it in thanks for his modesty. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >Next day we had some peasants lead us through the cursed mountains and there we saw the tracks of Giants! But we had no fear because we had our own Round table knight Sir Bledri among us. And we were hardy as well. We were unlucky this day however for we ran across no giant. Mores the pity.....</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >Finally after a grueling travel filled with quite a bit of trouble controlling our mounts, we made our way over a rise and there before us was an old and decrepit tower. Nasty place for a son of mine to be raised. I wouldn't have it. As we approached, a knight rode out of the keep and Introduced himself as the knight of Ash. Appropriate because on this desolate hilltop ash covered everything. I told him that I had brought my brothers in arms and come to this strange tower to claim my son who is being held captive here against his will. I know this because CynFyn professes a great knowledge of all things fairy, and said to me that this was an Unseelie group, which translates to Villanous. Very handy is sir CynFyn. The knight of ash politely refused me and so I politely rebuffed him and his four knights most impolitely road out as if to accost us. So we fought them. They were armed like no mortal man ever could be. Only Gofannon's smith's could have made such beautiful armour and such biting weapons. Actually beautiful even as they struck us. Their mounts were as wild beasts, huge and powerful, and evil. Our own mounts wanted very little to have ado with them but like all men of Leicester we were master horsemen, so our problems were not overmuch to deal with. We fought as demons and smote like boars such huge buffets that it was terrible to behold, and Had there been ladies present they would have wept for sheer pity to see such noble knights do so much in manly deeds at arms. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >I fought the knight of ash and as i did so my blood boiled and my heart swelled and i thought of a child of mine and Fiona's locked in yon tower helpless and scared and mistreated and then I could contain my anger no longer, but as he grew faint I grew mighty And i told him that no one may mistreat a grandson of the great line of My father Brandegoris Scourge of the saxon wastes and so I slew him at the last. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >As i looked up CynFyn was having ado with his in a most civil manner. Jousting! Ahh.. Dear CynFyn, what style. I then saw that Sir Gherrin was unhorsed and contending desperately with his own knight and that sir Quillam Was in the same plight. As I moved to aid them I spied sir Bledri and was reassured. He had slain his foe easily. He looked like the battle lord of old. Glorious to behold. I helped both Gherrin dispatch his foe and then saw that Bledri was coming to my other companion's aid. So I went to watch Sir CynFyn gain honor by destroying his knight foe. As i watched Cynfyn took a bad fall unfortunately, and so I came to his aid and dispatched the fool. KEEP MY SON FROM ME!!!!!!!!????? I yelled at the corpse as I turned to watch My other companions deal with the last fiend. I swear that I have never seen a more villanous sight then what I am about to tell you. Sir Bledri had clearly vanquished his foe and so asked him to surrender. The man said That he would not and so Bledri did as was his knightly duty and right and made to strike. Then Bledri in a moment of tender mercy hesitated, and it was that benevolent mercy that betrayed him, for in that moment of hesitation the villain struck my good Lord down..... We all pounced on the man and we were arguing over his fate. We wanted to hang him as a common thief, but in the end we had mercy and as Bledri showed us through his own mercy, and we forgave the foe, on the condition that he disarm and lead us to his master. The captive introduced himself as the knight of the raven and said he would take us to his lord master. He did so and we met the old master knight with the long gray hair and beard. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >While speaking to the Lord of the spiteful Tower, we saw ushered before us tree children and two large green furred dogs.As I told him that I came for my son he said that one of the three children before me was my son, and that I would have to choose one child, then the other two would be devoured by his canines!!!! What a monsterous proposal. I nearly attacked the old Lord there, but refrained. Taking the advice of the pious sir Quillam, a most useful and knowledgeable lad, I allowed him to use his Cross and to examine the children. When the first two recoiled and the last was only mildly uncomfortable, I knew it was my child. Plus he was well made. I was confused though because instead of being 7 years old as he should have been , he was nearer 14 years old. I chalk it up to fey magic. True to his evil word the Lord let his dogs devour the other boys. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >At the end I took my son, Gandid ,by name and vowed to never return to this place if he would allow us safe passage out of this realm. It was agreed and his huntsman led us by a different route to the castle of Penrith.There we sent for father Odio and had Sir Bledri's body blessed and packed in salt, then wrapped the coffin in the fox fur. It was a magnificent site. We then sent word all along the King's road and to all neighboring counties,of Our champion's death, and made a slow and glorious procession to Leicester to bury Sir Bledri and inscribe his name on the Pillar of resistance. The weeping of all the common folk and Lord's and Ladies alike was almost too much to behold. So sir Bledri gave his life ,that I may find my illigitemate child. What a faithful friend. My father no doubt greets him in heaven even now. I must go and concsole my 1/2 brother Extavias. Though he was not Bledri's true son he was raised at Tilton with His mother and Bledri since infancy. He is distraught. I will tell Gandid, my son, of this year whenever we celebrate a feastday so that he always remembers the lesson of faithfulness and friendship. Goodbye old friend and may God take you to paradise.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When I return I will beg Lord Edar to make me a Candlebee So that I night Honor Bledri , my father and all the others who came before!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;" >Perseus, Son Of Sir Bledri speaks: My father was a great man. Difficult times forged the steel of his blood thusly. Bardon, Bedigraine, Carrowhaise, so many great battles... Pain and loss and betrayals and triumphs. This is the man who brout back the Obelisk of Minerva and the statue of David back from Rome! Yes, that statue of David! This is the man who fought five elite banner guardsman and a battalion commander and slew them all...While majorly wounded! There are too many stories to recount. My father had his flaws, but he was always true to his lord and land. Even when Medbourne burned to the ground, and the peasants were on the brink of banditry, Bledri spent ten Librum to keep them fed! Perhaps King Edar had some influence there. I know he was sorely struck by the loss of Sir Amadis, as they were friends. The Candlebees meant a great deal to my father. I should like to be a Candlebee. Perhaps even more than a Round Table Knight. Well maybe. I think my father would be disapointed if I didn't become a Candlebee.Now, as they bring my fathers body to be buried and his name inscribed on the Pillar of Resistance, I see the evil his swordarm attacked and his shield guarded and the responsibility his tireless shoulders bore, and I wonder if I will not buckle under the pressure. Will I ever be equal to this great man? No. I must be better? He would expect it of me.<br />March 29, 2009 12:25 PM<br /><br />Sir Cynfyn speaks...<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Write that thing, about fightin’ Jesus and who I am and all. </span> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>Truthfully recorded by Brother Odio, servant. </i></span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Sir Bledri is dead. I can speak at all only because someone needs to faithfully record his last adventure. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>Since he waits this long I will write. My lord sighs and stares at his fireplace. Not Lady Lizabet, young Cyngarn nor the newborn stir his melancholy. Christmas was miserab…</i></span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">We are knights of Leicester first, bound together by duty. We are candlebees, together by virtue. We are friends, together by choice. When one of us is in need, we are all in need. And it was Sir Ardur who needed us, son of the great knight, Sir Brandegoris Hambone. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">King Today’s court was here—pah. Weird looking foreigners, funny accents. Every meal was just decadence and gluttony. We were told to stay sober and not mingle with the foreigners. Most of us did just that. But the young are susceptible to the exotic, I hear, and the wine they say was exquisite, that piping music was a distraction. Many among us seemed agitated by them, others almost somnambulant. So it was the magic that made young Sir Ardur lead us, stumbling, among the foreigner’s side of the hall to where an old man sat with his daughters.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">“You’re a wonderful old man,” said Ardur, and began addressing a girl who quickly flew into a rage and began striking him with the magical bag she was carrying, and all the other women at the table threw pieces of apple at him and young Sir Ardur flinching and enduring it as she screamed and the old man droned on but who could hear him anyway and finally we just grabbed Sir Ardur and dragged him away before the High King should see this disturbance. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">“My son is a prisoner,” he said, “I am going to go get him.” </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Beware of Listeneisse! Avoid that wasted land that took a man as great a Sir Bledri! Goblin knights, they were, monsters in human form scoffing at our sacred order with their perverse mockery of our ways. I killed them. They killed Bledri, my friend.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>He weeps into his hands. L Lizabet touches him. He is like the stone effigy ordered for Sir Bledri’s grave. He rode like that the whole way back. It was at the Tower of Spite. He shakes off his wife.</i></span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">We brought him back in a great procession, covered with the fur of the giant fox we slew, and whose tail will grace my helm ever after, in Sir Bledri’s memory. Crowds lined the streets and wept as we passed. He is to be buried in Leicester, but the priests are arguing about which cemetery he goes to. I told Odio to put him in Fighting Jesus’ cemetery, but he told me not to talk about that in the city, and that Count Edar would settle this, as Sir Bledri wanted. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Well, look, here is Lizabet weeping too. Why you hardly knew the man, wife! Come, up now and tell the girls to get supper on the table. Out of the way, Odio. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"><i>Later, by Odio. My lord is so struck with grief he does not even report that he has been granted three new manors and their knights as his gift for life, and also the title of Banneret. Despite the loss, Sir Ardur did collect his boy now. No wife, except that crazy apple woman if she comes back, FX say no. And apparently he’s still got plenty to learn that they didn’t teach him in the courts of Camelot.</i></span></p>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-86342172210893868922009-03-23T10:12:00.000-07:002009-04-05T13:10:40.630-07:00532:PART1: A year of WonderSir Arrdur here...<br /><br />What a sttrange year. We were called to Camelot with nearly every other knight of Logres to welcome a foreign King of such splendor that we would never behold his like again( so we were told). We went to Camelot which was dreadfully crowded. King Edar had to set up camp out side on the grass near the northern gates. We had to run of a minor lord of Kent to make room for my Lords retinue. Shortly afterword The Count of Lindsey sent knights to demand that we move and Sir Bledri had to joust down his man so that we could keep our spot. The man fell nearly dead at the first pass. Lindsey left without one word.<br />As I was raised from pagehood in Camelot I took Prince Aedon, and Sir Gherrin around and introduced them to some of the nobility. Prince Aedon is most interested in an Marrying a fine upstanding rich British wife with blue blood! "I know just what you mean, " I said, and we were off. We ended up leaving Gherrin very soon. He had no patience for it all. He is but 22 years old and Is not interested in marrying. i told him not to wait. Get the dowry now! But he wont listen.<br />So we dropped him off at the posh and upscale temple of Venus, wheSir Bledri confides:I still do not know the whole story of the disappearance of Sir Amadis. I have not said much, but it has troubled me greatly. Amadis was always a straight arrow, but it must have been an evil event that forced him from beloved King Edar's lands and the commraderie of his fellow Candlebeess. I feel his loss every day and wonder if I will ever be up to my elbows in blood, with him at my side, shield to shield. All of this courtly, intigue stuff gives me a headache. What is wrong with me that I long for clear enemies and battle? I recall being scared out of my wits at Bardon, and numerous other battles. Perhaps in my old age, i no longer fear death. I will die with the hot blood of war pouring out of me, of this I am certain.<br />March 27, 2009 3:02 PMre he must have had fun, for he did not reach camp again for some 7 hours! What a Tomcat he is.<br />Aedon did meet some nice prospects and waited until the feast to speak with them. He did not hit the mark exactly, but by night's end he did hit A mark! She wasn't rich, but then again ... Maybe she was! anyway, he lost her before morning.<br />The king was referred to as King Today of Overthere. In retrospect it sounds strange, but at the time perfectly reasonable. Most guests acted as if everything was normal, except VERY VERY elegant and posh to the extreme. All admitted that King Today's court was the finest in exsistence. I know it was ... it was Fey!!! I had experience with it. I once went OVERTHERE! And helped the fey King Tessia on a quest. And I met his lovely daughter. We had relations, because of her enchantements im sure. Bledri says she slept with us all, but I dont recall that and I know my Fiona. She wouldnt have done that. I couldnt take my eyes off of her unless it was to look at guenivere. I tried several times to approach Fiona the Fey, but her brothers would not let me. In a drunken moment I approached her and was escorted away by one of Arthur's pages. I gave up all hope and Got stinking filthy drunk that night.... which was unfortunate since the next day I had to joust against King Today's knights. I went down in my first pass and spent an hour getting out of the armour that i had just gotten into. Poor Extavias and Cadamar. They had to do all the work.<br />The last feast saw king Today give a speech about how Arthur was a great King but his knights were trespassing on Overthere too much. I was named personally as a trespasser because of King Tessia's quest. King Today went on to berate me becuse I apparently got My lady Fiona pregnant! Then last year when we were captive in the sorceress Cammiles dungeons my lady Fiona contacted me there and was trying to tell me of my son and help me escape but she says that I did not recognize her! I dont know what she is playing at , but it is not humorous. Anyway... Her father King Tessia complained and now King Today is punishing me for the slight. He says that I can not see my son ( who is now 5). He says that he is being raised by someone appropriate from the Overthere kingdom.. He said that to start the relationship of adventure between Arthurs Kingdom and his own off right, he would issue this first quest... I was told that I could have my son if I could take him from a tower in Listenesse where he is being held as ward. I went to pack right away, and my good companions Sir CynFyn, Sir Gherrin, And Prince Aedon all wished to aid me. Even sir Bledri said that for the friendship he bore my father he would aid me. So we are all prepared to go. I hope when all is said and done we will prosper for this...... My Lord Edar said to us at the last " Do not forget gentlemen, that King Todays realm has been freed from the old truce and just as we can now freely come to his lands so can he and his come to ours. Be ever watchful."<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Sir Lucius speaking.....</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">What a strange year. Camelot was magnificent. Me and My wife completely fell in love with the King of Overthere and his retinue. They more than brought back the elegance that Britian once shared when under good Roman rule. It was fabulous, and At the end of it all I was happy to talk to many of King Today's retinue. They are the most sophisticated men in any realm, i'll wager!!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Everything was nearly perfect, except when that spoiled little ninny Arddur displeased King Today. Imagine acting like such a fool. And begetting a bastard child on His daughter!!!!! He is lucky the King found it in his heart to impose a simple quest and not demand Arddurs head from our High King on the spot! That is what I would have done. It would serve the brat right. Arddur is no Brandegoris( his father would be very dissapointed in his pampered son), that is for sure. Sir Bledri asked me if I would help Sir Arddur in his quest and I flatly refused. The man is an imbicile I told him. I will not aid him. If he was a roman christian this illigitamate child thing would not have happned. British Christians are getting to be as bad as pagans!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">As I told Sir Bledri, If Sir Amadis had not quit the court of Sir Edar he would probably have helped. He loved to go on fool quests. I can not believe he left Edar's court. Especially at it's height. Edar is a King in his own right and I am sure his generosity and Largesse will soon show itself with appointments and gifts. And Amadis was supposed to be a Candlebee. But he left his brothers. A pity. He was brave beyond belief. A little queer at times. He was a good man though and i liked him. he will be missed sorely. I hope to run across him again and I will tell him this... I do not like or trust this Sir CynFyn. He is new blood in my eyes and he is ever trying to weasel his way up the ladder of success. he is oily as a snake and I am proud enough to say that it was not I that helped pull Sir Amadis away from CynFyn. And now that Amadis the Annis slayer is gone and CynFyn the too good is in, I am glad I never counted myself a Candlebee. he seems to be exerting too much influence over my young friend Sir Ellidyr as well. Ellidyr will not see anyone nor talk. He has said but 2 words to me since his return and they had to do with guard duty. When I try o find him to continue his fencing lessons he is always gone, Out riding or sulking in his room. He rides a lot these days. I went out to find him after he had been gone for 4 days in the rain. I found him Stinking drunk attempting to drown himself in a small spring. He was a mess and could not talk. I took him to my manor, and made him comfortable, but when I woke early he had already gone some time in the night. I finally cornered him one day just outside of Bunny on his way back from CynFyn's manor. the only reason he said that he was unhappy was because he had a secret Irish love that would not return the favor. I should have known. But that was hardly an excuse for Drunken depression for monthes on end not able to perform your knightly duties. He then said that he felt guilty about the raiding in Ireland and about some of the things he had had to do there. Now that made a little more sense. I assured him that he would get over that and that he had followed orders and been a good kinight. CynFyn was correct in one thing. The irish are damned wicked bastards. They were resisting and bringing it on themselves. Maybe it wasnt entirely true, but whatever needs be said to get the man to snap out of it was true enough . I asked if he had at last known a woman while abroad and he said no, He was saving himself for his love, the one he would marry. Gods Blood! What a dandy. If he just bedded a few fine women he would be good i think. Put his head back on straight ya know? I let the matter drop... until now. I was one of the first back to Leicester after the Camelot feast, except of course for Arduur and his Quest companions. To my surprise I spied Ellidyr coming out of the castle chapel with blind old father Merle ( now 89 years old). Merle i thought was senile but it appears not, for when I later cornered the cheeky old bastard I forced him to tell me the truth. He at first said it was the Irish lass that stayed on at CynFyn' manor of bunny as a slave, then it was because of wartime tragedies, but I could read the blind bastard like a book( I even know that he can see a little out of his left eye). he finally said it was because he betrayed his lord Edar when in Ireland. Together with Sir CynFyn they Took money off the top of Edar's cut to enrich themselves, and he felt guilty. I guess he would, the nieve little pup. he is so good-hearted that he doesnt know that that is expected in this day and age. Edar knew when CynFyn wanted the post that he wanted to enrich himself. Its accepted. Accepted as a reward for your good service. That is why I am trying to get Edar to appoint me as his lawyer and to make me a baron. I am useful at court and can help Edar on legal matters such as the De Ganis Clan stealing his rights to Lambor when old Lambor was evicted. Instead Roman law was flung around like shit by the DeGanis clan and made Sir Blamore the new Baron of Lambor. i hope to find through law, a way to get those lands back to my Count. then maybe he could name me as Baron owing fealty to him. If he did you can bet i would pocket a little more than MY share, and Edar would look away while I did so! It is the way of the world. I wish I could talk to Ellidyr about it but for now it is just safer to sit on the situation. Ahhh how difficult life can be sometimes... I hope he will soon snap out of it before something dreadful happens.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Sir Bledri, Candlebee and Knight of the Round Table speaks:Oh, what strange visitors we have in our lands these days! King Today of Overthere, and his otherwordly retinue arrived, seemingly only to tell King Arthur that he has loosed his fey knights on Britain. They are strange folk. I almost wish for the days when it was saxons who ran amok in our lands. At least you knew where you stood with them. We kill them, or they kill us, rape our women, and take our land. very simple. This whole idea of 'adventuring' knights seems silly. What is the point? Perhaps King Edar will send me to Ireland to be Marshall of his kingdom there. I think I could do the most good there. I think Medbourne would do better in Edar's hands.On a lighter note, Lindsay's Champion tried to move in on our pavillion territory at the big hubbub at Camelot. Foolish. One pass. Thats it. I may be old, but I am still dangerous. Also Arrdur knocked up King Tessia's daughter. We are going up north to claim the bastard. Sounds like a lot of fun. These Fey knights will find that the men of Leicester are frightening foes.<br />March 27, 2009 10:09 AM<a title="Delete Comment" style="border-style: none;" onclick="" href="https://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=988704982736069552&amp;postID=8235733856924555508"></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> Sir Bledri confides:I still do not know the whole story of the disappearance of Sir Amadis. I have not said much, but it has troubled me greatly. Amadis was always a straight arrow, but it must have been an evil event that forced him from beloved King Edar's lands and the commraderie of his fellow Candlebeess. I feel his loss every day and wonder if I will ever be up to my elbows in blood, with him at my side, shield to shield. All of this courtly, intigue stuff gives me a headache. What is wrong with me that I long for clear enemies and battle? I recall being scared out of my wits at Bardon, and numerous other battles. Perhaps in my old age, i no longer fear death. I will die with the hot blood of war pouring out of me, of this I am certain.<br />March 27, 2009 3:02 PM<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sir Amadis here...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Another miserable voyage across the Channel, but I don’t remember much. I was in such internal agony over leaving my lord, my companions…but so it goes. I made my choice, and so did they.<br /><br />As we made our way south I directed my energies to accepting jousts from the swarms of knights on the roads, many of whom stationed themselves at a notable landmark—a bridge, a ford, a crossroads—and offering to fight all comers. Very well then! I let myself loose upon the French. I left Sir Sigibert unconscious on the road next to his mount…Sir Ingomer kept his saddle, but was sore wounded by my trusty Leicester spear, ceded the contest to me. So, too, did a knight of great repute among the Franks, Sir Rigunth, whom I left bleeding and reeling from my buffets. Sirs Clovis, Childeric, and Charibert were good enough men, but I them I killed, which in the case of the distinguished Sir Childeric, I regret. Their horses and arms I took, as is the custom in this land, but I let the wounded men keep their arms and mounts since they had such a visceral souvenir of our encounter.<br /><br />The old kingdom of Ganis we found swarming with Franks, conquering the lands from the de Ganis clan, who all seem to have fled to Arthur’s court. We had some troubles on the road, but by then the Franks recognized my coat of arms and were on better behavior.<br /><br />After many months of travel through warn-torn regions, we finally came to Gilet, a village up the river from Sagunto, the old Roman town. The new king, Theudis of the Visigoths, has a summer palace near here, in a place called Valencia. The heat is very staggering on the plains and in the mountains; it is only on the coast, with its cooling breezes, that our little party got any relief.<br /><br />In Gilet we finally met my lady’s people, a large if not particularly wealthy family of cavalrymen. Their hospitality was as good as we would have received in Logres, and they made much fuss over my lady, the women of the household gathering in “their little lost child.” After the hardships of France and Ganis, Desdemona was comforted to be accepted so readily by a family she had never met.<br /><br />The menfolk are not yet sure what to make of me, a knight of Logres newly arrived from the fabled land of King Arthur, and a knight of the legendary Idar of Allington. As I told them of our travels through France I could see them warming up to me as I recounted the good French knights I left injured by the side of the road, or lying dead on the ground. They bitterly hate the French, especially their former Queen, Chrotilda, for that people’s role in the death of their previous king, just this last year.<br /></span></span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-47534506458393405352009-03-15T12:45:00.000-07:002009-03-23T10:10:08.359-07:00531 part two: Battle of the sun<span style="color:#cc0000;">Sir Arddur here...</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">After a month of hopelessly languishing in the Lady Camille's dungeon, I was permitted to speak with her. She seemed most agitated, and not at all as composed as she had at first seemed. I soon discovered why. She was soon to be under attack and was most distressed. She would not tell whom was the attacker, but asked if I would , by my honor, fight for her on the condition that I would be released after the battle. Having no choice I consented.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">I soon found that most of my fellow knights had faced the same bargain and had likewise consented. All but our friend Gherin. He had refused her. Most noble of him. I'm sure that all of the rest of us, Myself, Sir Amadis, Sir Aedon, and the saracen S'aid, all felt a bit of shame. But for now we were free. We soon noticed other knights that had been freed. A great many of them, and as I talked to a few of them and they said thay had been imprisioned there for years. They all took their oath to do battle for their freedom. As we were preparing our unit for battle and just seconds away from our first charge against our unusual opponent, We had a huge surprise! Joining our ranks for the charge was good old Sir Bledri! He had also been imrisioned Since Amadis had already begun the battle as our commander, Bledri let him retain that honour. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">As we charged we noticed that besides the knights we had on our side there were other warriors. To our shock and horror we began to see clearly that our comrades-in -arms were Goblins from darkest dreams, and twisted monsters from folklore. Myself , I had been to the otherworld of the fey and so was perhaps a little less surprised, but still i was uneasy. Who's side am I on? I became convinced that I was now on the wrong side.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Soon I was proven right. The other side came as the sun reached it Zenith and blinded us. I saw knights in armor of Gold and silver, with designs never even before imagined. There were dwarves, and animals, and all manner of creatures I can not name, but all seemed to glow brightly with righteous fury. I knew from the beginning that we were doomed. But an oath is an oath sio we all fought hard for the vile traitorous. We started out well enough but after fighting the strange dwarves, we then fought knights of silver and gold and fared horribly, and then fell prey to a hoarde of pictish knifemen. Our companion S'aid went down in the fray, never to be seen again. I will remember him fondly, evn though I only knew him for a short time. I enjoyed his tall-tales enormously. We then fell in with a foreigner call Wexford or Wexond I think. He was a Jute or Dane or something, and we all know king Edar's fondness for northerners, so we immediately befriended him.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">In short we were routed and had to retreat back to the castle. When we got there we found it in total dissaray already. It seemed the castle was under attack from the REAL world as well as the fey one. We took the confusion as an opportunuty to liberate our friend Gherin who was still in the dungeon. We met some resistance and there a few knights were slain and one wounded, before realizing they were friendly. They were knights of Camelot and soon we met good sir GRIFLET the Marshal! It sems that King Arthur and several other Round Table knights were imprisioned just as us knights had been and Sir Lancelot had escaped with the help of a friendly maiden. He had just returned with the army to liberate the others including the King. Now shame was upon me. It seems no other of our knights had agreed to fight for this evil Lady Camille. They rather stayed in prision. Even our Good High King. Never shall I be in the wrong again. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">We all got out of the castle and it soon crumbled away into the marsh. Soon it was over and Camille disappeared. The rebellion seems subdued a little for now. As my Count's Stewards are loking After Tilton and I am free to travel, I brought Meg and my son Osric with me to winter in Camelot. I also stopped into Surrey to see my sister Matilda. She had been married to a wonderful Saxon knight of Surrey named Edmond. She now has eight children and several fine manors. Good for her. As she was raised in Camelot with me she says she has really missed the life there. The excitement. She says edmond isnt one to tarry at court unless necessary. Poor girl. I am lucky. My family and I stayed with my Lord Sir Colgrevance of the round table at his residence in Camelot over the winter. He has always been a gracious Lord ever since knighting me. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">As I sat talking with my lord Colgrevance I was priveledged to also speak to my Lords Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and Sir Ector De Maris. They were visiting My Lord's manor as was I and the conversation was quite stimulating. Benoit and Ganis must be wonderful Lands indeed to have produced such a noble strain of knights. The conversation turned to my beautiful, but base-born, saxon lover Meg. The mother of my only child Osric. They all admire her great beauty and demure bearing. But all agreed after some discussion that I need to think of putting her aside and marrying to procure a legitimate heir. I am 28 , and not getting any younger. I suppose that next year I will do so. But I will NOT put Meg in a nunnery. It would slowly kill her. I will find some Lord at another court to allow her to stay there with my son and grow old. I will pay her upkep and my son's. Perhaps Lambor now that the old Lord is dead and Sir Blamore de GAnis is the new Lord. he is Kin to these good ganis knights and as they suggested it, I will most certainly agree. But where to find a suitable wife? They said they would keep an eye out.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">I have been keeping an eye on my 1/2 brother Extavias over the years and visiting him regularly. Though we have different mothers, we are as close as natural brothers. I am going to equip him and make him my squire next year as he will finally be old enough. Cadamar , my current squire, will teach him all he knows, and Cadamar is an excellent squire. When Extavias is knighted may allow him To have Tilton-on-the-hill, or else have Cadamar steward it for him or myself. I will see. After this year I am hoping next year is calm. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#33cc00;">Sir Ellidyr here......</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#33cc00;"> I am headed home from Oriel, King Edar's new Irish land. I went there with CynFyn, Edar's Luitenent,and he was to administrate the Land while I was to help clean out rebels.I had never performed such a task and I must admit... I was ill suited to it. Years ago When I was first a knight , i came to ireland and King Edar's own men worked with others who took slaves. I freed those slaves woyh my own librum. Now... I am the one enslaving people and burning their houses and stealing their valuables. I know this is the way of war, but it feels so wrong. These People are fighting for their land and I must break their spirit. But... As CynFyn Points out regularly... they are a wicked people with wicked ways and magics. They profess Catholic Christianity but Pagans abound in the hills and countryside practicing their foul arts. CynFyn says so, and I believe him. After all, look at how they gave Count Edar hospitality then murdered his retinue while they slept. They killed them with foul magic. And in their Beds. Shameful. So... I will do my job. I find that I feel better about it after some strong drink. Then I am able to block out all the screaming and cries. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#33cc00;"> There is a girl too who I think I love. She is Irish, and as beautiful as the dawn. But She see's me as her master and we hardly speak. She is young but not too young. 22-23 perhaps. When I asked she said that my men amd myself had been responsible for making her a widow. She speaks to me and I can see her anger deep deep inside, but on the surface is simply fear, and complacency. Almost no emotion. This is worse then her anger, for how will I ever tell her how I feel? She hates me as I hate myself. And i drink some more. And I raid some more. I can't wait to leave this cursed Isle. </span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-69671484959091514442009-03-08T09:06:00.000-07:002009-03-29T15:12:45.805-07:00531 Part One: Saxon Rebellion!<span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >Sir Arddur ap Brandegoris reporting ; </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;" >Last year I was charged with helping Sir Lucius and a few other knights guard Edar's realm. Sorry... KING Edar's realm. It was fairly peaceful, but after Sir Amadis recovered from his broken leg, he led us out to beat up some cheap Lambor raiders.It was fun. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;" >What was not fun was me taking care of my manor, Tilton-on-the Hill. Ever since I got it back from Sir Bledri who was keeping it safe for me until I came of age, I have had ill luck. The manor saps far more income than It can generate. I find that I really do not wish to deal with this problem now. I am twenty-seven, and have no wife, only my saxon lover Meg.She is obviously more of my slave , as Saxons can't just run free, but I do treat her as kindly as possible. I wish to go erranting for a year or two and find adventure and hopefully a wife. I have no son of my own, although i have a suspicion that Meg may be with child. there is a difference in her lately that I can not account for. I believe that I will ask my Lord Edar to release me from my holding for a few years and see if he could take over the manor for me. Perhaps he will know how to straighten it out. everyone see's how all of my king's lands prosper, especially Allington. I will have no income these years, but then again I dont have any now either.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;" >This year A new warrior came to court. A stranger from the north African land of Zazamanc. His name was said. He apparently had heard of the fame of my High King Arthur and King Edar. He had come to see the fabled lands of Britian. He seemed unimpressed for the most part. So we took him to Allington to impress him. While there a knight named SIR Henri , who serves Duke Hervis de Revel of Anglia found us on his travels. He was on a mission to recruit willing knights to aid his Lord Hervis in Anglia. It seems that the saxons were once again in rebellion! There was one immediate problem however. The knight Sir Henri had recognized my coat of arms. He the proceeded to make a very rude statement about my father, the great Sir Brandegoris bringing his bravery into question. Proposterous! My father still has songs sung of his greatness. How he killed a Saxon with naught but a hambone. That is one of the greatest, but most importantly he with the son of Count Edar, Sir Seriol, were the heroes of the battle of Bardon, breaking the power of the witches at the cost of their own lives! Coward indeed! So you can see why I was upset. I did know that Duke Hervis and my father had some type of conflict early in their lives, but I couldnt tolerate such insults in my presence. Henri assured me that that was his Lord's point of view and not his own. I decided to go and sign up to kill saxons,. After all, they killed my father and a lot of other good britons. They were spared and so should have learned their lesson. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;" > We traveled to Anglia and on the way near the huge city of Norwich we found a couple of horse traders from a place called Alexandria. They looked quite a bit like our new friend S'aid. He assured me that though they did bear a resemblance they were very far away from his own homeland. They were tough traders but very hospitable. They gave us a drink unlike any other. It was rich and black, and a bit bitter. An aquired taste to be sure, but the effects on the mind and body couldnt be denied. It was called Coffee, and when we were done trading they even let us take a little as a gift. It's most peculiar quality was to give a man much more energy and too focus ones thoughts. A great marvel indeed. During the trade negotiations good Amadis was minded to turn loose of his magnificent Fey charger Lew! I was stunned. But ever since Amadis had seen S'aid's horse, A magnificent arabian courser, he had to have one. They were not as strong in a fight but were beautiful and sleek and by far the fastest horses any of us had ever seen. These traders likewise loved the fey charger. They wished to gift their King with it so they gave up much to Amadis. Two Arabian courser stallions, and 5 breeding mares, as wel as 2 smaller horses. Amadis will soon be able to start breeding stallions. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;" > After the trading we met with Duke Hervis who was mildly Rude. He simply sidestepped his comments about my father when confronted with them. He did say that we could prove him wrong by serving the him and doing well, then it might just change Hervis' feelings about my family line. We were not afraid to fight and so we accepted whatever charge was given to us. We wound up patroling a ten mile area and guarding it from saxons. We patroled for 2 weeks making easy coin, but we kept glimpsing strange things.We kept seeing a huge column of men ( over 100) and they looked like saxons. They were all afoot though they dad have wagons full of loot and many groups of cattle ,sheep, and boar with them. We tried several times tro track them but an unnatural fog and some evil magic was certainly at work. We might never had found it if it were not for the Irish Prince Aedon. King Anguishes of Ireland's son. He pulled off all armor and tracked the column and found that they WERE using magical fog to conceal their castle. He told us of this and we all decided to make ready to follow them when the time was right. In two days time the columns came again and retreated to their castle through this living fog. We dashed in after them on horseback. ( actually, i did first. I just couldnt take another week of boring patrol). Once through we realized that these saxons were mostly ill equipped commoners, and second rate warriors. We scatttered them but could not make the gate at the causeway before it closed. Sir Gherrin captured a peasant and being a peasant himself until recently was able to really communicate with him well. The peasant said that the castle was the castle of a saxon Witch named Cammille. Damn. We all hated sorcery. We decided to stay in place until the gates were opened. If the gates were not opened so much the better. That would mean this small handful of us were sieging the castle well. We slaughtered some livestock to eat, set watches, and waited. We slept on the perfectly manacured launds, and there was a huge topiary flower garden all over the grounds. At first the Garden was comforting but soon made us uneasy. amadis. aedon, and myself talked about it and we all thought in one way or another thge garden must be the key to the witches power. so we attempted to destroy the whole thing. After that was accomplished we felt safer. Unfortunately that very night the living essence of that garden turned very evil and attacked us attempting to smother us and at last we all fell, and now we sit in a small and dank dungeon of this witch. The bright side? As i see it the bright side is ... at least we are somwhere in the castle now......</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;" ></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;" ></span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-37370460550576732352009-02-28T21:45:00.000-08:002009-03-01T12:35:50.546-08:00530 - Pentecost Challenges<span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"><strong>Count Edar of Leicester</strong></span><br /><br />Oh how is it that a year that began so joyously could turn so quickly to ash? The year opened with glad tidings from London – The beehive had returned! I assembled my knights and we rode in great parade to receive my Lady Valerie. Though I had not seen her in years, one look upon her and I felt as if we had not been apart. It was clear to me that some of my knights had assumed I boasted of her beauty when I spoke of her – these same men looked upon her in rapt admiration. She presented my two sons, both healthy and learning something of Britton ways – from Sir Lucius I suppose. We left and I took delight in showing her the way to our new home in Leicester.<br /><br />When we arrived in Leicester, I begged Valerie to wed me formally, in the Christian tradition, so that our union would be recognized by all who live in the domain of Arthur. Although she clearly thought that the ceremony was unnecessary, she consented. Such a celebration was had! I invited all of my family, neighbors, and of course the King and his court. I daresay that it was the greatest celebration Leicester had seen!<br /><br />For Pentecost we traveled to the city of Carlyle. I had provided Valerie with the jewels from my campaign to Rome, as well as a gown of the finest Roman silk. It suited her beautifully. Imagine my surprise when I was called before the Queen and her so called Court of Love. Perhaps it is my exposure to Ygraine, and Elaine before her, but I find that while Guinevere is a lovely lady, she does not seem to understand knights as well as she thinks. In front of her ladies, and indeed, all the ladies of court, she challenged my devotion to Valerie. She claimed that I dressed Valerie to poorly for one of her station! I was shocked and didn’t know how to respond. I thought that Valerie was radiant in her new dress, and that while it was not gaudy, it was at least the match for any other woman in court. The Queen disagreed. She actually had the audacity to challenge the devotion the men of my line have felt for their wives over time!<br /><br />As I stood there thinking of what the Candlebees would think of this Lady challenging my devotion to my adored Lerry, or especially my beloved Christine, I was fuming and nearly began to sputter. To think that this woman believed that I did not love Valerie because I did not drape her in the wealth of the county! Did Valerie not come from a kingdom that had retrieved a dragon’s horde due to the actions that my men had taken? I observed her in Trondheim as we grew close, and I knew what she truly appreciated. It was not gold, or gems. Had she wanted for anything I would have given her everything! While I was being berated by the Queen and trying to determine how I might respond without giving insult to the King, my beloved spoke up. Valerie came to my side and challenged the Queen on what she said. She then began to rend her dress to show how little such things meant to her. I asked how I might prove to the Queen that I care so deeply for my wife. The Queen suggested that I take a piece of my Lady’s garment and wear it as a badge for the year to prove my devotion to her. At the next Pentecost, I would tell the court all that I had done in her name. Of course I agreed without a thought.<br /><br />The next day a strange event – a tournament with dulled weapons was held. Bledri fought on the side of Arthur’s kin, having married into that line. I fought alongside the men of the South. Imagine my surprise when Elaine’s son challenged me personally! The fellow felt that I had wronged he and his mother. Right was on our side, and we bested him in the field combat, the tilting, and then Bledri defeated him before I could face him in single combat.<br /><br />At the end of the feast Arthur announced his plans to conquer Ireland. I of course volunteered to accompany him, though Bledri seemed strangely reluctant to go there, insisting that it was an evil place. If only I had listened to him.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;">Sir Amadis Contributes</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Well, it is my turn to be laid up while my sweet wife looks after me. We had a particularly rousing Bottle-kicking this year, and I broke my leg. I hobbled to Idar's court anyway, and that damn snooty Sir Cynfyn rubbed my face in it -- enough that I finally challenged him to a duel, which he deferred until I could stand, and sit a horse. My lord was called away to the wars in Ireland, and because of my leg, left me in charge of the garrison of Leicester City. Ah well, more time to spend with my comely wife.<br />And that dastard Cynfyn stood me up! Never showed on the appointed day for our duel. All talk and no spear, as we say 'round Medbourne.<br />So instead I vented my wrath on those damn Lambor boys, who constantly test our borders. After Sir Honorius came into Leicester complaining that Lambor had run off a herd of his cattle and trampled his fields, I took a group of lads southwest of Medbourne and did some mischief to the fields of Husbands Bosworth and Lamport before riding back through the market-town so folks could see we weren't taking Lambor nonsense lying down. As my count is still away in Ireland and us men bored to tears with garrison duty, we have taken it upon ourselves to keep Lambor on its toes by continuing our raiding towards Lilebourn.<br />It's fun! And as the peasants are on Idar's side, as long as we concentrate our energies on the knight's properties and send a little extra the peasant's way, they keep quiet when Lambor rides up. I can't wait to see my lord's face when he hears of our work on his behalf.</span>Zevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428232021790380201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-33014865616705555172009-01-18T08:59:00.000-08:002009-03-01T12:34:04.973-08:00529:<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;">Sir Arddur ap Brandegoris reporting...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff6600;">Well, Britian is certainly turning into an odd place. Count Edar went North with King Arthur to stop this upstart Galeholt and Recapture Surluse. I was sure that I would be in for more boring garrison duty, but a few days before our count left something strange happened. Two dozen children from all over my Lord's lands disappeared. The Count's grandson and heir was among them. Edar's duty to our King made him and Bledri leave with too few troops, and now he will have to pay scutage to Arthur for having too few. But he needed more knights to search his realm. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff6600;">Somehow we were told of a cavelike barrow under a hill where witnesses believed a strange presence had been found. They believed the missing childeren were in there and indeed as I listened I think I could hear the pitiful crying of the children under the hill. But I might have just imagined it. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff6600;">Down we went and walked for a long while. when out we came into a strange place. The trees were straggly, and things seemed somehow ominous underneath, Something unexplainably scary. We soon found our way to A nice hunting lodge and there inside were seven bodyguards and A sick man who claimed to be a King of the Fey. King Tessia. He claimed to be on the way to death and geased us to find his children and gain their blessing and their apple orchard saplings that would make his orchard bloom again one more time. He said that we could</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff6600;">find our way out if we aided him. We did so and found each of his different childeren and encountered their unique personalities. One was a peasent-like fellow that tilled the earth and found no greater love. One found luxury and material wealth most important, while one of his daughters found lustful pursuits most to her liking( to my great shame). There were some others and at every place we managed to recieve the blessing and a sapling of the particular type of apple tree. It was the last child that gave us most trouble. A sinister looking knight named Sir Blythe. His men attacked us and with some small difficulty were overcome. After destroying them we took their fey chargers. Amadis got a particularly nice charger!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff6600;">We discovered this Blythe was executing children. Mostly peasents, and we had ado with his men so he let the remaining children go. True to his word( I guess). My companions were content to let things lie and to get the children out ( including our counts grandson). They are older and wiser, I have come to see now, but I.......</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ff6600;">I could not let that evil fairy man live. Not after the corruption he showed. My father wouldn't have and neither would I. I challenged him to a fight and he accepted! His sword vs my axe. My axe won out. Much easier than expected even. And so my companions and I delivered the king his peace and were shown out of the land with all the children we had gathered. On our return we soon realized that we had been gone only 10 minutes. Time must work differnent in those fairy lands. I am excited. There is still a good season left for adventuring. I hope more happens than just Guard, patrol, patrol, gurd. We will see.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Sir Bledri's 'thoughts':</span><br /><br />My youngest children have dissappeared! And many other children across the county of Leicester! What have we done to deserve such evil? And now I must go to war in the north thanks to that villain Galeholt. At least Edar has left Sir Amadis and Aidan and the young powerhouse Arrdur, son of Brandegoris, to find the children. How strange that my heart is not in the march to battle! Good luck, Amadis!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Sir Aeddan reports</span><br />Although I have not wed nor had children, I was as horified as any other when the children vanished. I could not understand how our Count could choose his duty to the king over his duty to his family, but the others did not seem surprised by this decision.<br /><br />Sir Amadis, Sir Arddur and I all set out to find the children. By god's grace we happened upon the path and it led into a strange cave. The Brave sir Amadis was concerned that it could be an Anis layer, so we left our horses with our squires and entered the cave.<br /><br />Imagine our surpise when the cave emptied out into a strange land - it was clear that we had entered the faerie lands! We wandered for a while until we came upon a dwelling. We entered it and found a man who claimed to be a king who was dying. The man told us that he had not seen the children, but that the penalty for trespassing in his lands was death. He said we would be spared if we could help him in two ways - he wished to be reconcilled with his children, and he wanted to see his orchard one last time. We found ourselves compelled to aid him, although we did not know where his children were, or how we could help him see an orchard that was torn asunder. I had faith that God would watch out for the children of Leicester, even in this place, and believed that we could not turn our back on a man that wanted nothing more than the forgiveness of his children for his actions in life - even if the man was not truly a man.<br /><br />We wandered the countryside without thought, although I beleive that God was guiding our feet. We eventually came across each of the Kings children, who agreed to give the King his blessing in return for us proving our worth. Each had a strange task for us to complete, and while most were harmless, I fear that some were more sinister. I know that one of the King's daughters so charmed us that I was overcome by my lusts and woke up in the bed of one of her handmaidens. I must confess that thoughts of her continue to haunt me.<br /><br />In the end, we found all of the King's heirs, and in doing so located the missing children. It seems one of the monsters was planning on killing them for the sheer joy of it! After we overcame his challenge for the King, Sir Arddur challenged him to a duel and slew him. We three Knights claimed his horses for ourselves, and returned to the king. He accepted our word on the blessings of his children, as well as the tokens of the orchard they provided. He agreed to let us leave the land and provided us each with saplings for the different apple trees of the orchard. Amadis and Arddur spoke of planting them immediately. I will see if my Lord Edar has an interest in them, and if not I shall give them to the Abbey of St. Christopher in Leicester. I have no lands of my own, and it would be a shame to ignore the gift.<br /><br />We found our way back to the path we had entered these lands from, and when we backtracked through the cave, we discovered that instead of the weeks we thought we had been gone, only days had passed! We led the children back to Leicester and to their overjoyed peasants. As I saw these children reunited with their mothers and fathers, I knew that god had been watching over them.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">Sir Amadis Here</span><br />Desdemona was ill again this year; I wonder if the dampness of our climate affects her adversely. Or was it the inordinate amount of time I spent in Faerie this year? I don't know. My brother blames me for the poor harvests and her illness, saying that if I would not meddle in their affairs, they would not meddle in ours and turn the milk sour and the corn brown before the harvest. He's my brother, and a hero of Bardon Hill, so I won't gainsay him. He's earned the right.brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988704982736069552.post-46921146538120205202009-01-05T09:19:00.000-08:002009-03-01T12:32:56.653-08:00528: Galeholt's AssaultSir Lucius here....<br />Another miserable year, but Ellidyr and me must do our sworn duty to count Edar and fetch his bride to be and mother of two of his children, Valerie, from the Trond lands. I am praying that this will be the last time I will ever have to go to these far north lands. Ellidyr is already impressed with the trip. The mountains and the cold, the strange people and animals, and we havent even reached our destination yet. I will show him where the dragon of Trond fell, and where its lair was. I hope there is fair weather on our return so that we may make our Count a happy man and return his family safely. Ellidyr is a strange one. He shows a monks piety sometimes. Never speaks of marriage or women. He says that women are too often the downfall of men, and that a perfectly logical man acts like a dumb beast and becomes a slave to a wicked pretty face. What a doomsayer! And he is still so young. He has intention to ask Edar to foster one of his children. He believes he can shelter the child from the confusing influence of too many women and he can show the child the important things, like respect for the Lord and how to excel at arms. A perfect balance of the two most important things on earth , he says! .......what a bloody lunatic!He is a good lad but A bit unhinged I fear.At least His skill at arms is coming along well under my guidance. He might just make a name for himself if he can stop fearing women so much. Maybe I'll talk to Edar and recommend he get Ellidyr to marry soon. That will show em!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">SirArddur Ap Brandegoris here............</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">What a year. My Lord Sir Colgrevance who I have been a squire to these last 6 years petitioned King Arthur that I should be knighted, so the King let my Lord knight me. It was just after the visit by Sir Galeholt. People were afraid there might be trouble from the arrogant Irish Warlord, and sure enough by the end of the year word was brought to court that Galeholt has sacked Surluse and taken Sorhaute castle at Galloway in Gorre! Bastard! I am young but I am ready for action. My father made a name for himself in Britian and I intend to as well. After all it was my father's hard work and loyalty that gave me my opportunity to be raised as first page then squire at Camelot. I have never wanted for anything and have been given the best training a knight could get, and was squired to a knight of the Table Round. A lot is expected of me and I will prove myself. Next year I will return to Leicester and report to my Lord Edar. As my father was a loyal servant to him and his household, so will I be, holding only my King Arthur above him. I just hope I am worthy to have recieved all of these gifts. How I wish I could have helped my Lord Arthur more this year, but He had me assigned to Garrison duty and patrol. Not exciting as NO ONE is foolish enough to attack my great King in his own Homeland! Next year Ihope to destroy all enemies of my King that are foolish enough to come within arms length of my Axe!!!!!!!</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sir Bledri weighs in:</span></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">By the beard of Fightin' Jesus! Pomitain! What a terrible little island. I hope I never set foot there again. I also hope Galeholt and the rest learn their lesson. You don't cross King Arthur, and you sure as hell don't cross a Leicesterman, let alone a Candlebee. I have my flaws, but letting people slight me and mine has never been one of them.I wonder if we shall ever meet the real versions of the imposter Round Table knights we fought? Those black knights were powerful foes. If not for the now-standard brand of ass-kicking that one can expect from Sir Amadis, I fear the boat we were being loaded into was bound for a malign port. Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. You see, we were retreiving the sacred water of a sacred spring from and old fort. This was on the island of Pomitain. This sacred water was to dispell the terrible curse laid upon the Crimson Lake on that same island. So, accompanied by my fellow Leicestermen as well as four (Four!) other Round Table knights, I set off to find this spring. Well, (punny!) we found it. I chose to enter the old fort at night. We left the squires and one round table knight outside. I would come to regret that, for after we emerged, we found our squires slain and horses stolen away. The blackguard traitor Round Table knights turned on us, and revealed that they were only disguised. Demetrius, that snake, took the water from me. We had back-ups, which was good, since It seems I cursed my eldest son to get it. A promise to a weird little faerie thing is still a promise. Oh, I had to pass tests issued by this little elf thing to get the water. A riddle, a strange courtesy test I barely understood but still passed, and a promise to put my eldest son in danger.Anyway, Morgan, the King's sister was behind this thing. Weird. So Amadis nearly saves our bacon after we are all but he overwhelmed. I hear he jumped his charger onto the boat! Incredible! Amadis will be Round Table in no time. But we were all imprisoned. Sir Lancelot bailed us out and then just ran off. A rather abrupt fellow, but you can't argue with results. Ok by me.Oh, and our tests to escape the enchanted forest! Everything was dreamlike. I chose the test of Justice. I was to solve the disputed charge of murder by poison. Well, since we all know trout pie is harmless, I knew it must have been the apple pie! Bellflowers, indeed! Well, the lord of that strange land was all wishy-washy, so we settled the matter like gentleman: at the edge of a sword. God decided the victor: me. So, all you kids out there, eat your trout pie, and stay away from that apple pie. stick with fresh apples!!!<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sir Bledri drones on some more</span>:</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The whole reason we were on Pomitain was to observe Galeholt and his conduct, to see whether or not he weilded ehough power for Arthur to recongnize his lesser kingship of Ireland. Now, all of you listeners out there know how much I hate that stinking Mick bandit Maelodran. I half wish Galeholt had gained dominance in Ireland, for he had promised me that he would see Maelodran hung. Ah well, looks like I will have to eventually boat over there and kill him myself. Though god knows how I will. That magic spear is unstoppable.So. Galeholt gets a bunch of his cronies together, they hatch a secret plan, while in Leicester no less, and try to go grab land in King Arthur's protection. These guys! Really! It's one thing to try to conquer some land, at least that's pretty straight forward and standard. It's quite another to do it after you specifically say you won't, the way Galeholt said to us that he would not attack anyone in Arthur's domain. That lying dog. But honestly, they thought they could attack and take land in a region that has successfully resisted decades of assault from Saxons? Foolish. It will end poorly for him and his minions.Oh, Amadis was the only other of we four Leicestermen to complete his test. His was one of Valour. Apparently the Wyvern is half as strong as the black annis, for Sir Amadis dealt with it quickly. Yet I know Sir Amadis is a humble sort, so if he said the fight was over quickly, it was. Indeed he had not a scratch on him.Cynfyn, knight of the medlar, nearly succeeded. His test was of vengeance. A Lady required the deaths of three brothers who killed her husband and stole their lands. He slew two, but the third overcame him. A good man, Cynfyn. Three on one is a difficult fight for any knight.Aidan... well, at least after failing all the twisty-turny, confusing religious questions (I admit to not knowing as much as I should) Sir Aidan resisted the sinful advances of the strange shapeshifting faerie thing. If I have learned one thing from hearing about that old Pagan Sir Gwair, its that most of the time its better to keep it in your pants...Now i am looking forward to handing Galeholt some steel justice. hopefully all the fighting won't be over before we can muster. That guy has a few things to answer for. Hopefully I can send him into the next life where he can answer properly. And Fightin' Jesus? Don't let him off easy.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sir Amadis Here -</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">I am proud to say that Leicester has its own Round Table knight, Sir Bledri! We are all immensely proud, even though Arthur spoilt the ceremony by also naming a Pict to the Round Table. I killed a wyvern and saved my companions from Lady Morgan and an ensorcelled Sir Bleoberis.<br />My poor lady Desdemona caught some sort of women's flux and spent a long time recovering. No pregnancy, though my lady swears she is fertile. It will come in time, I am sure. She has put her mark on Hartshill, the manor my lord Idar gave me to be my own, setting it up in fine Roman style. The only thing I insisted on was an apiary. And while my lady runs the manor, and my older brother is my steward, I take care of the apiary.</span>brandegorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03082618381091601895noreply@blogger.com2